Gilas Boys head coach LA Tenorio and lead deputy Richard Del Rosario clapped back at their critics after steering the Philippines to its lowest finish in the FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup.
Tenorio, in just his first few months at the helm of the youth program, praised the sacrifices made by his players.
Since the SEABA Under-16 Cup last May, the team—composed of Gab Delos Reyes, Jolo Pascual, Brian Orca, Prince Carino, Jhustin Hallare, Andwele Cabanero, Everaigne Cruz, Jhello Lumaguib, John Restificar, and Jeremiah Antolin—has been training relentlessly in preparation for the continental meet in Ulaanbaatar, all while balancing their responsibilities as student-athletes.
“Well… the outcome wasn’t what we hoped for, but I want to acknowledge the incredible sacrifices and resilience these young boys have put in. Their dedication, hard work, teamwork, and sacrifices have been inspiring since day one. And with that I am so PROUD of these boys,” Tenorio wrote after Bahrain eliminated the Philippines in the Qualification to the Quarterfinals on Thursday.
“This loss doesn’t define us; it’s a stepping stone for greater things ahead. Let’s learn from this and continue to strive for excellence! Ipaglalabanan ko kayo hanggang sa dulo! At hanggang sa huli lalaban tayo PARA SA BAYAN!”
(C) FIBA.basketball
Del Rosario, meanwhile, did not mince words, stressing that what the public sees in games is only half the battle, as the players’ sacrifices often go unnoticed.
“Hindi lahat ng bagay napapanood sa TV or YouTube. Hindi nakikita ang sakripisyo ng mga bata tulad ng pag sakay ng angkas habang umuulan makapunta lang sa ensayo. Yung mag practice para sa school sa hapon tapos derecho ensayo para sa Pilipinas at makauwi ng hatinggabi,” he said.
“Tandaan natin na 16 years old lang ang mga players.”
Del Rosario emphasized that the responsibility of the defeats should fall on the coaches, not the players.
“Lumaban sila para sa Bayan. NO EXCUSES, we lost. A lot of work needs to be done to get back up. Para sa mga genius, tignan niyo nalang ang comment ko sa inyo sa last picture. I LOVE BATANG GILAS!” he continued.
Tenorio also addressed the wave of criticism that followed his post, particularly questions about why 6-foot-4 guard Kai Patton and 6-foot-6 forward Brian Stevenson were not called up despite holding Philippine passports.
“To answer your question na demanding, hindi po abot mga Fil-Ams because of the school schedule,” he clarified.
(C) FIBA.basketball
He then responded to insinuations that his PBA duties with Magnolia got in the way of his national team role.
“At hindi po puro Magnolia inaatupag ko! Sana sinamahan mo ako araw-araw sa schedule ko para malaman mo kung paano ako magtrabaho ng dalawang beses sa isang araw hindi katulad mo na walang inaatupag kung hindi mag-celphone,” Tenorio shot back.
He later replied to another critic: “Kung wala ka naman sasabihin mabuti tungkol sa mga bata tumahimik ka na lang! Di mo alam sakripisyo ginawa ng mga batang to! Tumahimik na lang! Para kang di Pilipino.”
Despite the disappointing campaign, Gilas program director Alfrancis Chua expressed pride in the team and coaching staff.
“Heads up, proud of you and the team,” commented Chua on Tenorio’s post.
