Despite fielding a shorthanded team, Adamson University represented the country well during the 2024 ASEAN School Games, earning silver in the basketball tournament.
The Baby Falcons were chosen to represent the country in the regional meet as the core of NCAA champion Letran Squires were overaged for the tournament.
ASG host Vietnam implemented an under-18 rule for the meet.
Mike Fermin’s team also did not have his core four of Tebol Garcia, Vince Reyes, JC Bonzalida, and Gene Carillo, as they are already playing for their collegiate teams.
Gilas Boys head coach Josh Reyes watched Adamson’s games at the University of Da Nang, knowing that Indonesia and Thailand decided to field their national teams for the tournament.
“I scouted a couple of games because I knew that Thailand and Indonesia would field their national teams. We will be facing those same teams in the SEABA,” shared Reyes, who is busy preparing the Gilas Youth team bound for Turkey next month for the FIBA Under-17 World Cup.
“Given the circumstances, I really believe that Coach Mike and the Adamson Baby Falcons did a good job. We commend them for their service to the country. Despite just winning the UAAP championship and deserving a break, they continued to train,” he continued.
“Even without their core players due to the age limit, they played with the team they had and represented us very well. No ifs or buts – they represented us.”
In a highly-charged finale against Indonesia, the young Baby Falcons absorbed a heartbreaking 56-54 defeat.
Still, it was a gallant stand for Adamson – a team led by young guns Earl Medina and Mark Esperanza.
“I know it’s tough for them not to win the gold, but they still made us proud,” expressed Reyes.
Gilas Boys assistant coaches Allen Ricardo and Allan Albano also shared the same sentiments as Reyes, saluting Fermin and his boys.
In the end, the ASEAN School Games should remain a school-based competition, rewarding the champions of each country.
Though they could have bolstered their roster with guest players, Adamson and the Philippine Sports Commission chose not to in order to protect the spirit of the competition.
“I also want to commend Adamson University and the PSC for adhering to the spirit of the ASEAN School Games. They could have added players from other schools to their lineup but chose not to, respecting the true spirit of the ASG,” said Reyes.
“I salute them for that.”
