Baldwin sees Gilas ruling Rio qualifier

MANILA, Philippines - Gilas Pilipinas will come out not just to compete, but to win games and the world qualifier next year – an Olympic berth.

“We shouldn’t be in it just to compete. To make the mark in the world, you do that by winning, not by competing,” said Gilas coach Tab Baldwin on the sideline of PBA Season 41 opening rites at the MOA Arena in Pasay City last night.

Baldwin feels Gilas has proven to the world that Team Phl can compete with the best in the last FIBA World Cup in Spain last year.

“We’re competitive in Spain. That’s the testament to what we can achieve, to what we can aspire. We can no longer settle for that. We’ve got to win,” said Baldwin.

“We want to achieve. We want to succeed. We want the gold. We have no other alternative,” Baldwin also said.

He feels it’s imperative for them to perform and deliver with all the support Team Phl has got now, especially the one from the PBA paving the way for the formation of a new Gilas pool.

The PBA players released in the pool are Junmar Fajardo, Marcio Lassiter, Japeth Aguilar, LA Tenorio, Jeff Chan, Paul Lee, Calvin Abueva, Gabe Norwood, Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Marc Pingris, Terrence Romeo, Greg Slaughter, Ryan Reyes, Troy Rosario and Ian Sanggalang.