Great character defines Gilas in Taipei

It did not bag the big one in the Jones Cup, but let it not be said that the Gilas national team stint in Taipei went fruitless.

There indeed was dejection after the loss to tall mighty Iran, and the fall more or less showed the dire direction Gilas would be taking in the Olympic qualifying tournament in Hunan, China, starting late this month.

But there’s no reason to be totally disappointed; the display of great character by the national team meant the Olympic qualifying goal is not totally out of reach.

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It was clear the national squad did its hardest best, tried the ultimate against Iran.

There were a couple of instances when Gilas managed to cut the opponent’s lead to only four in the closing quarter.

The post-game quote from the coach of the Iran squad, who said he did not mind rough plays and terrible tackles—for as long as punches were not thrown—however bared the tremendous edge and confidence his team brought in against a Philippine team which it had mauled in bagging the 2013 Fiba Asia championship in Manila.

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Wouldn’t Gilas be in for another drubbing when the two squads meet in the Olympic qualifier?

A random poll among side street and wet marketplace fans showed only faint chances of a Gilas recovery and possible revenge against Iran.
Of course, there remained hopes naturalized Andray Blatche would finally find his way back to Manila to rejoin Gilas, for which he had played post in last year’s Fiba World Cup in Spain.

At the same time though, questions on Blatche’s commitment to the national team were raised following his latest display of truancy.

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As reported, Blatche agreed to rejoin and work with Gilas after a sweet four-month lay-off.  He was, as expected, horribly, out of shape.

After he was made to catch up, he came down with an infected prostate that required another sidelining.

Blatche was a non-entity in a subsequent pocket four-nation tournament in Estonia where Gilas lost all its games.

There was no question after Blatche had to suddenly leave the national team from Taipei following the death of a beloved uncle.
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It however felt very uncomfortable after the all-important Gilas reinforcement next decided to skip Gilas’ last game in the Jones Cup in order to drive his mother back from the East Coast to somewhere near California.

Didn’t Blatche also miss his first flight to Manila this year because he, wow, overslept?

Of course, all is not lost. There’s  strong likelihood the MVP Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum starting Sept. 11 could also serve as tune-up for Blatche, no matter what shape he may be in.

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At least, Gilas in the Jones Cup showed it could do battle honorably and give its toughest best despite the absence of an expensive team pillar.

The great character displayed by Gilas, mainly in the rugged confrontation against the tall Russian club Spartak Primorye, clearly showed the national team could do great without having to cry uncle.

Of course, it would do a world of difference if Mr. Blatche wakes up, rejoins and matches the dedication of his gallant Filipino teammates.