Alapag included in Fiba Facebook cover page, ecstatic about recognition

By: Bong Lozada - 10 years ago

Screengrab from FIBA Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines – When the Gilas Pilipinas became crowd darlings during the 2014 Fiba World Cup, it would be no surprise that its talisman would get some recognition.

Jimmy Alapag, the team captain of Gilas, said Fiba has recognized the Philippines as one of the best national teams in the world.

When Fiba updated its social profile on Facebook, Alapag was included on the roster that was put as the cover photo of basketball’s governing body.

“I’m proud to be part of it but I am even happier that our country is being recognized among the best in the world,” Alapag said.

Joining Alapag are USA’s Kyrie Irving, Serbia’s Milos Teodosic and Senegal’s Gorgui Dieng to name a few.

Gilas Pilipinas, despite only winning one game, became crowd favorites during the World Cup, dazzling the competition with their unexpected plays and “puso.”

“I think it’s great to be included in the official cover page for Fiba.”