This article has been edited to add SMART Gilas Pilipinas' recent triumph against Senegal, making their first ever win after 40 years. (81-79)
Smart Gilas Philippines' heartbreaking 77-73 loss to Puerto Rico is easily one of the best games in this year's FIBA Basketball World Cup. Although the memory of downfall could probably sting the team and their supporters for quite a while, that 4-point difference tells us something more than what a close match stands for: Gilas' incalculable enthusiasm to earn victory for their nation.
Once labeled as the underdogs heading into this tournament, Gilas proved that they can score against taller and tougher defenders. In fact the team soared to the number 12 spot in points per game stats at 75.5 PPG, which is just one point away from PR.
Smart Gilas Pilipinas even bagged its first and final win for this season against Senegal after exhilirating close fights with higher ranked teams Croatia and Argentina.
Aside from the impressive performances of Andray Blatche, who ranked 4th in players statistics at 22.0 PPG, Ranidel De Ocampo at 106th place with 7.3 PPG, Jimmy Alapag at 107th with 7.0 PPG, and LA Tenorio at 122nd with 6.5 PPG, the entire team has been praised for their dedication and fighting spirit, hence living up to the team's battle cry 'PUSO'.
A lot of spectators may wonder what 'PUSO' is all about. Why does it always go hand in hand with Smart Gilas hashtags invading the social media world? The simple translation of this word is 'heart', but here are some historic Smart Gilas moments that have redefined its meaning.
Giving it all/ PUSO until their last fight: SMART Gilas Philippines bagged its first win after 40 years against Senegal (81-79), Sept. 4. June Mar Fajardo, Jimmy Alapag, and of course, Andray Blatche taking the team to the much-awaited victory!
Conquering the seemingly impossible: Gabe Norwood posterizing Scola, Mata
Firing up without any hesitation: Jimmy Alapag nailing five dagger shots from beyond the arc against Argentina (85-81):
Saving the team: Blatche not wasting the thrilling possession against Croatia (81-78)
Going the extra mile: Judgment round! Gilas made an OT possible against Croatia.
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Grieving: Marc Pingris trying to hide his tears. We remember Pingris being commended by his coach Chot Reyes: "Marc Pingris as a player has no skill. He can't shoot from the outside. He's a very average ball-handler. He's a great rebounder for the Philippines. Being 1.98m in the Philippines is tall, but here he's overmatched against all the power forwards he faces. Yet, he's one of the most important parts of our team, and his only skill is hustle,"
Apologizing for shortcomings: And of course, Chot Reyes himself saying, "We'd like to apologize to Filipino fans and our supporters for no win,"
"Our inexperience, of my players of myself as a coach, played a role. We fought hard. Effort was there but wasn't enough," he admits.
The first quarter enlivened the spirits of Smart Gilas supporters but the second half was full of turnovers and three-point attempts. Philippines even posted leads as high as 14 points but silencing Barea's shooting prowess and PR's defense became difficult.
Keeping an eye to the future with pride and dignity: Alapag 'The Mighty Mouse' saying "We belong here, we just gotta make sure we stay here."
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With these, we salute the Smart Gilas Pilipinas team for showing what 'PUSO' means. See you next season, hopefully with better defense, assists, and shots.
Smart Gilas Pilipinas may have dropped out of further contention, but FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 will always remember what #PUSO is all about; how it looks like and where it can take one team. Remember this date, remember SMART Gilas Philippines; after all, this is history.
