By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
CLARK FREEPORT ZONE – After leading Team USA to its second consecutive championship at the eFIBA Season 3 World Finals at the SMX Clark Convention Center here, Nidal “MamaImDatman_” Nasser attributed his Finals MVP award and All-Star team selection to the collective effort of his squad.
Team USA’s impressive run in the prestigious tournament concluded with dominant back-to-back victories over Turkey, 71-62 and 71-55, in the grand finals on Thursday at the SMX Clark Convention Center in Pampanga.
“It feels great. We put in a lot of work to get here, and without my teammates, I wouldn’t have gotten this [award]. So, thank you to them,” MamaImDatman_ said in an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times.
Before their matchup with Turkey, Team USA swept the Philippines in the best-of-three semifinals, where the host nation struggled to keep up with the Americans, losing 46-67 and 60-73.
Reflecting on the semifinals clash, MamaImDatman_ praised the Philippines’ cohesive, team-oriented style of play but pointed out areas where they could improve, particularly in individual skill development.
“I think the Philippines’ play style is good but they need to focus more on individual things. They play together really well, but I think if they get individually better, they’ll be on our level soon,” he noted.
As a newcomer to the eFIBA World Finals, MamaImDatman_ admitted he was unfamiliar with most Filipino players before the tournament. However, Kenneth “Clue” Gutierrez earned his and the entire Team USA roster’s respect.
“Honestly, I didn’t know any players because I just got here. I literally had no idea, but my whole team told me Clue is really good, so, therefore, I am too,” said the 27-year-old MVP.
“I never watched Clue before, but they liked him a lot. So when I came to watch him, he was really playing well in terms of defense and offense,” he added.
MamaImDatman_ also expressed his gratitude for the passionate Filipino fans, whose hospitality and love for basketball made his six-day stay in the Philippines memorable.
“There’s so much love in the Philippines, especially the Filipinos. Everyone is so genuine, and it’s really nice to be here.”
