Photo from Fiba.com
THE ODDS were already stacked against Gilas Pilipinas 3.0 even before they left for the Chinese province of Changsha for the Fiba Asia Championship last year.
Some of the players on the coaching staff’s wish list begged off, throwing off preparations in a tournament that staked a berth in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
It was a team toughened by adversity and although Gilas ultimately fell one win short of the Asian crown, its magical run to the finals was another shining moment for Philippine sports in 2015.
The national basketball team will be honored with the President’s Award during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards Night on Feb. 13 at One Esplanade in Pasay City.
Handled by coach Tab Baldwin, the Filipinos shook off an opening-day upset to Palestine, before rolling past powerhouse teams Iran and Japan on their way to the finals, where they bowed to host China, 67-78.