PBA officials hail Gilas players as heroes

CHANGSHA – The Philippine Basketball Association is ready and willing to once again re-adjust its calendar to give way to Gilas Pilipinas’ participation in either the Olympics or even just the Olympic World Qualifier next year.

PBA top officials formed part of the Phl gallery that stood as witnesses to Gilas’ rousing run on the way to a second straight FIBA Asia Championship finale.

Win or lose in the gold-medal game late last night, the PBA bosses believed coach Tab Baldwin and his troops have achieved a feat that made the nation proud.

“These people should be treated as heroes. I think the plan is to honor these people. We’re very happy we’re able to come and witness something like this,” said PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa.   

“(The country has gained) back-to-back FIBA Asia Championship finals. The glory years of Philippine basketball is back,” said league board chairman Robert Non.

“Poised. Gritty. Resilient. Mature. Many words can be used to describe our team and its performance but for me these four stand out,” said league president Chito Salud, adding he attributed it to right coaching and right blend of players.

Non also hailed Baldwin for a great job.

“Tab has proven he is an international coach par excellence. He’s really good. He’s very composed and he’s a great motivator. He has those traits that helped Gilas a lot,” said Non.

Narvasa commended each member of the team, mentioning their effort and sacrifice.

“Their effort bore fruit and what they’ve achieved here gives us a lot of pride. It is a unique feeling,” he said.

“This experience opens up many permutations in the way we assemble, prepare and pick players for future competition. We can even go farther if we are able to prepare earlier with the right mix of players playing under a system for a good period of time,” Salud said.

Gilas Pilipinas prepared for this tourney for less than two months with Baldwin working on a mere 16-man pool, minus several no-shows.

Chances are Baldwin will again work with limitations in preparing Gilas for their international foray next year.

PBA officials, however, insist they’re ready to sit down with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to tackle the best way to help the national team program in the future.

“Definitely the PBA will have to make changes in the schedule. We’re ready to make a change, but we have to know FIBA’s schedule,” said Non.