Gilas back home after ‘impressive’ Fiba OQT stint in Latvia

Gilas Pilipinas receives a warm welcome after arriving back in Manila following its campaign in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga, Latvia.–SBP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas arrived home Tuesday night after their campaign at the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia.

“Our basketball heroes are home!” wrote the SBP on X on Wednesday.

“The Gilas Pilipinas Men’s National Team arrived safely home last night at NAIA after an impressive run at the FIBA OQT in Riga, Latvia. Welcome home Gilas, we are all proud of you!”

The Philippines, which hasn’t competed in an Olympic basketball event since 1972, came just two wins short of earning a ticket to the Paris Olympics after losing to Brazil in the semifinals despite taking an early double-digit lead.

Leading the Philippines was Justin Brownlee, who was named into the All-Star Five in the Riga OQT. Brownlee emerged as the No. 1 scorer in the tournament, averaging 23 points. He also finished tied in first place in assists with 6.3 and third in rebounding with 8.3. Bruno Caboclo was hailed MVP of the tournament after powering Brazil to an Olympic berth in Paris.

Kai Sotto, who sat out Gilas’ final game due to a bruised rib, was seen in high spirits, as well.