Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes was asked what the Filipinos could hope for when the team leaves for the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
The eloquent Reyes vowed one thing Wednesday night.
“We’re not in the habit of making promises. We didn’t make any promise going into the Fiba World Cup except for the fact that nobody’s going to try harder,” Reyes said.
The Philippine team left for Spain with modest expectations and came back having earned not only its countrymen’s adulation but also the world’s respect after a gutsy showing in the Fiba World Cup.
And it doesn’t stop there. The journey continues for Gilas in the Asiad and though there is high demand to deliver even with the disqualification of naturalized Filipino Andray Blatche, the same kind of approach will be taken.
“It’s going to be the same thing. We promise the Filipino people, everybody here tonight that we’re going to practically die to make everyone of you proud that this is the team that’s representing you,” said Reyes.
The 6-foot-11 Blatche was barred from playing in this edition’s Asiad due to a three-year residency rule. He averaged a double-double with 21.2 points and a World Cup-best 13.8 rebounds per game in his first tournament as part of the Philippine team. And clearly, his absence leaves a huge hole on both ends of the floor.
Marcus Douthit, who helped the country secure an appearance in the world stage for the first time in 36 years, is back for another tour of duty to replace Blatche.
“I’m just ready to fill in the void that my team needs,” said the 34-year-old Douthit.
But for Reyes, it will take the entire team’s effort to fill in the space left by the versatile big man Blatche.
“I don’t believe in any single person trying to fill the shoes of anyone person. Every man in this room, in this team has to come in and do his part and play his role because this is more than a one-man team,” Reyes said.
“We’re not worried about who’s not here. Our only concern is getting the best from everyone that’s here,” Reyes added.
The 28-year-old Blatche isn’t the only one who won’t see action for Gilas in the Asian Games.
“It’s been a challenge as you all know Jayson (Castro) hasn’t been healthy enough, Jared (Dillinger) just started practicing full court today, and Marc (Pingris) in fact didn’t even practice today and had to rest today.”
Jayson Castro, hailed as the best point guard in Asia, is sidelined due to a strained Achilles, an injury he sustained during an exhibition match in San Sebastian, Spain, against Euskadi, which he tried to endure in the World Cup.
Jared Dillinger (calf) and Marc Pingris (ankle) will give it a go but are still off from their usual forms.
“The injuries have really taken its toll on us and I’ll be very honest we’re not going to be 100 percent going into the tournament in the Asian Games. But hey, whoever gave us a chance in the World Cup anyway,” Reyes said.
Over the past couple of years, Gilas has learned to flourish amid adversities and the team is staring at yet another hurdle in its road to gold.
But with how Gilas has been able to perform despite the circumstances, it seems like no challenge will be greater than the team’s heart.
“This is not new to us. Being in front of almost impossible odds is not new to us so we’ll just keep fighting and then let’s see what happens,” Reyes said.
There won’t be any team that’s going to try harder than the Philippines, Reyes vowed during the team’s thanksgiving and sendoff street party for its supporters Wednesday night.
“That’s the only promise we’ll make.”
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