FIBA President Horacio Muratore shows the name of the country awarded to host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup during a 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup host announcement ceremony in Tokyo, Friday, Aug. 7, 2015. AP
Chot Reyes, the former coach of Gilas Pilipinas, summed it up with just one word.
“Sakit (Painful),” Reyes posted on Twitter after Fiba chose China over the Philippines to host the Basketball World Cup in 2019.
Filipino-American Hollywood actor Lou Diamond Phillips also shared his sadness over Twitter but gave his congratulations to China.
National players Asi Taulava and Kelly Williams said the lost bid may be a setback but should motivate Filipinos to strive for more.
LA Tenorio, meanwhile, had a little bad taste in his mouth regarding the loss, while Gabe Norwood was just sad.
Lourd de Veyra, however, had one solution all red-blooded Filipino males may relate to.
https://twitter.com/coachot/status/629600774020947969
https://twitter.com/coachot/status/629616806760574976
Incredibly proud & honored to be a part of the Philippine delegation. We left our hearts on the court! Congrats to China. #FilipinoPride
— Lou Diamond Phillips (@LouDPhillips) August 7, 2015
And to the many Filipino fans, we felt your love. Keep the dream alive and keep making noise! You have been heard! #PusoForever @FIBA
— Lou Diamond Phillips (@LouDPhillips) August 7, 2015
We just got da Best Motivation 2day! Work Time!!! #LabanPilipinas
— Asi Taulava (@agelessasi88) August 7, 2015
Today's decision doesn't define us in the world of sports. It just means there's more work to do. #risehigher #LabanPilipinas
— Kel Williams (@KelWilliams21) August 7, 2015
Wala muna kain ng Chinese food !! 👎 😞
— L.A Tenorio (@LA_Tenorio) August 7, 2015
😔
— Gabe Norwood (@GNorwood5) August 7, 2015
…back to work. September is right around the corner.
— Gabe Norwood (@GNorwood5) August 7, 2015
Great opportunity to progress
— Gabe Norwood (@GNorwood5) August 7, 2015
Inom na lang tayo. #Atay2015
— Lourd de Veyra (@lourddv) August 7, 2015