Even if he came all the way from Davao, former Special Assistant to the President Bong Go made it a point to visit Gilas Pilipinas.
The 2019 Senatoriable paid the national team a visit on Sunday night, when Gilas took on the visiting Lebanon for their second tune-up meeting at a jampacked Meralco Gym in Pasig City.
Go, who has been appointed Gilas’ head of delegation for the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers’ fifth window here in Manila, wasn’t able to attend the team’s first three tune-ups.
“Inabutan ko almost matatapos na po yung third quarter. Sayang. I just flew in from Davao,” said Go.
“Gusto ko talagang umabot at makanood ng isa sa mga tuneup games ng Gilas.”
Gilas wasn’t able to provide Go a victory, as they lost, 60-71. But Go said he liked what he had seen.
“Very intense yung laro kanina. Nagkakapikunan nga yung coach ng Lebanon at coach Yeng Guiao,” recalled Go of the spat between Guiao and Slobodan Subotic with 1:15 left in the third, after a dispute with a call.
“Makikita mo na gusto manalo kahit na tune-up game lang po ito. Talagang it’s a good indication na ganun ang pinapakita ng Team Pilipinas,” he furthered.
Gilas ended their week of tuneups with a 1-3 record, with their lone win coming via default – 82-73 versus Jordan. But even with that run, Go likes the team’s chances in the fifth window.
Gilas will play Kazakhstan on November 30, and Iran next on December 3.
“Malaki ang tiwala ko sa team natin na mananalo tayo sa Friday,” said Go.
“Kahit sa Lunes po malaki ang pag-asa natin manalo. Alam mo naman ang Pilipino, kita mo kanina mga fans – puso pa rin ang ating ipinagmamalaki rati. Kahit saang larangan.”
Go also said that they have already invited President Rodrigo Duterte to watch Gilas’ games, which will both be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“Inimbitahan po namin siya manood to give moral support po sa ating team. I’m sure it will boost the morale of the team kung makakapanood po siya sa Friday sa MoA Arena.”
