Vosotros riding momentum of stellar game in 2015 SEAG

MANILA, Philippines — Almond Vosotros can still vividly remember how his shots fell through the rim in a close call against Thailand in the semifinal of the Southeast Asian Games two years ago.

Back in the tourney and facing the Thais once again, the sweet-shooting guard looks to tap into that memory and help this younger iteration of Gilas Pilipinas get past their biggest hurdle in the tournament early.

“Actually, ‘di naman nawawala ‘yung mga ganoong memories kasi first gold ko rin ‘yun sa SEA Games,” Vostros said with a smile. “Basta ‘yung first game din naman this Sunday, sobrang [naghanda] kami.”

“Nag-tune-up kami for four games. Naghanda kami para sa kanila. Alam naman namin ‘yung mga teams sa SEA Games, veterans na rin. Every year, nag-iimprove sila. We prepared physically and mentally.”

In that 2015 semis tussle the Philippines found themselves trailing to Thailand at halftime. It was Vosotros’ marksmanship that towed them closer to their foes. Kiefer Ravena ended up being the hero after he capped his fellow guard’s effort with 16.5 seconds left in the game.

“Siguro kailangan ko lang i-maintain ‘yung shooting ko,” Vostros said when asked what he’ll bring to the table this time around. “Alam naman namin sa Malaysia, lahat ng makakalababn namin puro zone ang defense. Kailangan ko lang talaga i-steady ‘yung shooting ko.”

The 27-year-old cager from Albay also believes that Gilas won’t be meeting the same level of resistance, because this roster is much more tightly knit compared to the 2015 edition.

“Mas naging solid ‘yung team,” he offered. “‘Yung chemistry namin buo na bago pa lang kami magpunta sa Malaysia. ‘Yun yung big difference. Yung chemistry and bonding namin as a team, sobrang solid na ngayon.”

Gilas will open their title retention bid against Thailand at 9:30 p.m. Sunday.