Mac Belo has no problems whatsoever with his non-inclusion to Gilas Pilipinas’ pool for the second window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, saying that the team will always have his support no matter what.
The six-foot-four forward was left here at home as national team head coach Chot Reyes and Blackwater Elite officials opted not to include him so as to not aggravate his strained iliotibial band.
“Always naman akong naka-support sa Gilas. 100 percent naman yun,” said Belo.
“Ngayon ‘di lang ako 100 percent, kaya mag-decide yung management ng Blackwater tsaka ng Gilas na huwag muna ako isama sa Australia.”
His exclusion seems to have been a blessing for the Elite, as Belo suited up for them on Wednesday night against the Phoenix Fuel Masters. He produced 14 markers and three rebounds to help Blackwater earn an 83-78 win.
Additionally, the victor — aside from improving their slate to 5-6 — gave their playoff chances a huge boost.
“Good win para sa’min,” expressed the 25-year-old sophomore from Far Eastern University. “Gustong-gusto namin manalo kasi this is our last game sa eliminations.
“Umaasa kami na makakapasok kami sa playoffs.”
There was some sense of fulfillment for Belo regarding his contribution in Wednesday’s victory, as it served as his way of bouncing back after missing the potential game-tying three in the loss to the NLEX Road Warriors last Sunday.
“Oo nga eh [nakabawi],” said the cager from Midsayap, North Cotabato. “Sayang, yun pa naman yung very important game namin, yung against NLEX. We almost won that game pero natalo lang kami sa dulo.”
But with the win, there are no more regrets for Belo and the Elite, now that they have hope in their hearts.
