Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

AdU

Gilas Boys coach Josh Reyes lauds Adamson’s silver finish, upholds ASG ethos


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.

#ReadMore  Gilas 5.0 falls to China to open second round

“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.”

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

Rain or Shine avoided elimination–for now–following a 113-97 victory over a severely undermanned TNT to take Game 5 of their PBA Season 49 Philippine...

AdU

San Sebastian College-Recoletos has secured arguably its biggest recruit in recent memory. Mark Esperanza, a standout guard from the Gilas Boys program and a...

3x3 Basketball

Far Eastern University-Diliman retained its hold on the UAAP High School Boys’ 3×3 Basketball crown and completed a clean sweep of Season 87 after...

3x3 Basketball

National University Nazareth School clinched the final semifinal berth in the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ 3×3 Basketball Tournament after exacting revenge on...

3x3 Basketball

FAR Eastern University-Diliman secured a semifinal berth in the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ 3×3 Basketball Tournament after outlasting National University Nazareth School...

3x3 Basketball

FAR EASTERN University-Diliman stayed undefeated in the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ 3×3 Basketball Tournament on Thursday, escaping with a 21-16 win over...

3x3 Basketball

Far Eastern University-Diliman remained the only unbeaten team in the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ 3×3 Tournament after sweeping Day 2 on Tuesday...

3x3 Basketball

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas made a strong opening statement across both divisions, as the Tiger Cubs and Junior Tiger Cubs hurdled their respective opponents...

Advertisement