KUALA LUMPUR—The Philippines has been the undisputed basketball power in the Southeast Asian Games with the most men’s basketball golds in the regional event with 17.
And as the Gilas cadets start their campaign in the 2017 Games, head coach Jong Uichico said they want to enter MABA Stadium with a confidence so high they’ll bring another championship to the Philippines.
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“Of course, when you enter the Games, you want to be as confident as possible that you’re able to beat any team that gets in your way to win the gold,” said Uichico in Filipino Saturday at Sunway Putra Hotel.
Gilas coach Jong Uichico. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
The likes of Kiefer Ravena, Almond Vosotros, Kevin Ferrer, Baser Amer, and Mac Belo are once again in the team that delivered the country its 16th gold in the regional games.
Uichico added they have to bring out their best every game if they want to continue the country’s reign in Southeast Asia and claim their 11th straight gold medal.
“We have to give our best and play our A game every single game so we can reach our goal to get the gold,” said Uichico. “We’re positive and upbeat and we know that we have to do our business, this is a business and not a vacation.”