Gilas blast: Boycott vs sabotage?

With a patriotic snarl, one frustrated basketball fan suggested a boycott of products by the powerful basketball conglomerate which, he cried, sabotaged the Philippine national basketball team by pulling out its top players from the Gilas Pilipinas squad gunning for the lone Asian slot in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

No, said another jilted Pinoy basketball devotee, what we need is a law mandating  that our best players be readily available for the national team regardless of affiliation.

There were searing reactions to the question on who honestly cared about the Gilas Pilipinas national basketball squad (raised in a previous column), following the stunning pullout by core players of the powerhouse San Miguel outfit from the Gilas Pilipinas pool.

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As a result, the national coaching staff headed by Tab Baldwin had to scratch bottom before Gilas Pilipinas, not really young and wanting in desired manpower, could leave for Estonia in what now appeared a three-game rediscovery and rebuilding stint.

After the Estonia trip, the national team will see action in the Jones Cup in Taipei, before coach Baldwin will try to form a competitive team from a national pool that has been pitifully decimated by injuries and inexplicable dissension.

The Fiba Asia Championship in Hunan, China on Sept. 23 to Oct. 3 will pick the lone Asian representative to 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

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There have been protests and cries for reforms after the sad fate suffered by the Gilas Pilipinas basketball program.

“Not only politics but pettiness and crab mentality,” groans seasoned spectator Ramon Guerrero. “What earthly reason could RSA have for witholding players?  At the end of the day, they are still his players, not MVPs.  National pride—even one earned by his own players—means nothing to one steeped in jealousy and possessiveness. Who cares about Gilas? I know someone who DOESN’T care.”

Here’s one from a worshiper in the temple of the cult called Philippine basketball:

“Good day, the Philippines is a ‘basketball-crazy country.’ The products of the San Miguel group of companies are becoming more popular and selling well because of the PBA. I cannot understand why the teams will not give back to the basketball community by influencing their players to play for the country. Are they profit-oriented only?  Please read Proverbs 22:1 (in the Bible) to know my side. Thank you. Do not mention my name, please.”

There’s true pungence in this message sent by The One: “What credit are they looking for? Isn’t Patriotism enough? All this about giving credit where it is due is plain stupidity. You only want to serve your country if you get something in return? Bring back Danding. He’s a true patriot and more caring about his employees.”

End of reactions due to lack of space.