Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ Special Assistant to the President Ryan Gregorio is excited for the weekend.
And it’s because he and his son will be tuning-in when E-Gilas Pilipinas defends its FIBA Esports Open title.
“There is a different level of excitement diyan,” gushed Gregorio during 2OT, powered by SMART.
“Tuwang-tuwa din ako sa esports na yan because I play it everyday! Sinasabi nga ng mga kaibigan ko, ‘2K ‘yan di ba?’ Kaya minsan tinatanong ko sa sarili ko, ‘Sino ba ang mas normal, yung 17 year old na anak ko na naglalaro gabi gabi or yung 48 year old na tatay?'”
The SBP, together with PESO, has been active in promoting NBA 2K as part of its program along with Gilas Men, Women, Youth, and 3X3.
But come Saturday evening, E-Gilas, which is composed of Izzo, Rak, Clark, Shintarou, Rial, Aguila, and Elchapo, will have a tougher journey in defending their crown.
Besides Indonesia — who it swept last June, Oceania champion Australia joins the conference making it a tri-meet.
“Is it gonna be harder for us because Australia is there? The answer is yes, medyo mahirap din kalaban yang Australia na yan we’ve played two scrimmages and we split it.
“So that generates more interest for our people to follow itong weekend na ito. Itong esports natin versus Indonesia and Australia,” opined Gregorio.
The Playbook Esports-powered team though will be motivated to prove themselves as it is coming off a 3-0 sweep at the hands of South Korean squad Promy last August in the NBA 2K20 The Pacific Pro-Am Tournament.
That is why Gregorio is confident that E-Gilas will go all out this weekend.
“Sigurado ‘yan dahil they are really supported by the federation and also yung SMART talagang grabe ang iniinfuse na support diyan on all fronts. Sigurado tayo na they’re so encouraged and motivated to bring us to the next level.”
