The first assignment of Gilas Pilipinas in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup is a grudge match. Standing right in front of the Philippines in their opening match is their tormentor from the last Asia Cup, China.
There are four players in this batch of Gilas, four stalwarts who experienced the 67-78 setback in Changsha, China: Gabe Norwood, Terrence Romeo, Jayson Castro, and Calvin Abueva.
“We all know the tactics that went on in that host situation,” recalled Norwood, who finished with seven points in 32 minutes during that game.
Two years ago, Gilas, under then-head coach Tab Baldwin, had a commendable campaign in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, storming through the opposition that then led to another gold medal match appearance.
Gilas had chances to win it all, but China, the host team of the said cagefest, had the breaks of the game favor them. The Filipinos, as a result, settled for another silver medal, with their 2016 Rio Olympics hopes all ripped apart.
Romeo, who added nine points during that game, could not wait to exact revenge on China. But as eager as he is to do so, Romeo knows that it will never be an easy thing to pull off.
“Kailangan maging matalino kami,” said the Imus, Cavite native. “‘Di pupwedeng pumunta dun ng gigil, kasi natalo kami sa Changsha diba? Panget naman kung pupunta ka dun na gusto mo agad bumawi tapos maglalaro ka.
“Mahirap ‘pag gigil ka na, wala nang direksyon.”
China’s public enemy during that game, Calvin Abueva — who had nine rebounds and five rebounds that cold October night — added that he is ready to settle some unfinished business.
“Ngayon, handa na ako. Wala na akong iniisip kung hindi yung Gilas,” he declared.
Story by Justine Bacnis and Matthew Li
