Winners list for FIBA OQT

We never expected a deluge of entries for our contest to win 15 Molten FIBA Olympic basketballs and 10 customized Gilas-inspired Pilipinas Basketball wrist watches. Thanks to all who took time to send in entries by email ([email protected]) or through Instagram (@therealdeanquinito), Twitter (@TheDeanQuinito and Facebook (@Joaquin Henson).

The correct answers to the first three questions are: Terrence Romeo, Gilas’ leading scorer with 18 points in the 72-69 win over China in Bologna, Italy, last week; Boris Diaw is the French national basketball team captain (as confirmed by SBP French team liaison officer Yu Murayama) and Tall Blacks is the New Zealand national basketball team’s nickname. The fourth question asked to justify the choice of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament winner. Those with incorrect answers were automatically struck out and those with incomplete contact details were also disqualified.

Here are the 15 winners:

Wilmyn Miguel See, 16, Student, Philippine Cultural College from Valenzuela City. “I will already claim it that Gilas will win the FIBA OQT because they always play with puso! No matter what happens, they will play with their most powerful weapon – their passion and love for the game, even if they lack height and even if the odds are all against them, they will still continue to make their country proud but this time, they have recruited another player and it is us, the whole Filipino community that will surround the MOA Arena with Blue, Red, White and Gold. By the way, you can’t spell Gilas Pilipinas without the 14-man roster: Gabe Norwood, Terrence BIll Romeo, Jayson WiLliam Castro, Andray Blatche, Ryan ReyeS, Marc Pingris, Troy RosarIo, L. A. Tenorio, JeffreI Chan, JaPeth Aguilar, CalvIn Abueva, RaNidel de Ocampo, JuneMAr Fajardo, Bobby Ray ParkS, Jr.” Prizes – Genuine leather official Olympic game basketball and wrist watch.

Christian Paul Reyes, 20, Student, Bulacan State University from Paombong, Bulacan. “Gilas will win the FIBA OQT. Here are my L-A-B-A-N-P-I-L-I-P-I-N-A-S reasons. Let everyone give his support to Gilas, we have the puso to fight and mind to think. Active participation of every player to focus with their training to grow as a player. Believing that we will win this fight. All the way prayers for safety and guidance of everyone on the court. Never say die spirit is in them. Patriotism, they have devotion to our country. Intelligent coach Tab Baldwin, big check! Lakas of Ping, JuneMar, Andray and Gabe will surely show the world that they are fearless. Inside shots of Romeo, Reyes, Parks and Castro will prove the small ones are really stout-hearted. Puissance of Japeth, Troy, RDO and Chan to score is also the key. Intact presence of mind of every player. Nation’s unrivalled love for Gilas Pilipinas. Ability to focus on facing all odds in every game. Sportsmanship, as they respect their opponents, is needed to win this OQT.” Prizes – Composite leather basketball and wrist watch.

Pom Nolasco, 17, Student, PAREF Southridge School from Hillsborough Village, Muntinlupa. “As much as it would make me happy to see Gilas Pilipinas come away with a victory and earn a slot to the Olympics, my gut and my head are both telling me that Team Canada will run away with this one. Despite not having up-and-coming superstar Andrew Wiggins on the team, Canada still has a lot of talented NBA players who will help sweep the competition in the qualifying round. Canada makes up for the lack of Wiggins with the all-around offensive player and upcoming NBA rookie Jamal Murray who averaged 20 points for John Calipari’s Kentucky team and will provide shooting and athleticism. Another reason that makes Canada such a deadly team to go up against is their depth chart. Assuming Cory Joseph, Murray and Tristan Thompson are the starters, their bench still comprises of NBA players Anthony Bennett, Tyler Ennis and Joel Anthony. The size and shooting that Canada shows in their lineup makes them the favorite to win and even go as far as win undefeated.” Prizes – Composite leather basketball and wrist watch.

Gerardo Drilon, 31, Call Center rep, Telus Philippines, PUP graduate from Angono, Rizal. “France will win this tournament. Let’s face it, they have NBA vets who will make it difficult for other teams to match up. Parker is a solid playmaker, Diaw can make his own shot near the basket plus he has the height against our forwards. De Colo is good in the perimeter but I think Gabe can defend him well. Of course, I want Gilas to win it all but this French team will make it difficult for us. I’m still hoping that Gilas can pull out an upset.” Prizes – Composite leather basketball and wrist watch.

Motohiro Murata, 21, Marketing Assistant, UST graduate from Valenzuela City. “Though I think Gilas poses a threat to opponents, still the winning team is France. Gilas has the speed and heart and New Zealand and Canada, the height but France has all those in their roster. They are quick and tall players who can shoot outside, almost making them unstoppable in offense. Defensively, they are led by NBA vets, Parker and captain Diaw who are also members of one of the NBA’s top defensive teams, San Antonio. My heart still roots for Gilas but my mind says it’s France.” Prizes – composite leather basketball and wrist watch.

The other winners are:

Jesus Tagustos, Jr., 45, Corporate Trainer, TIP graduate from Pasay City. Prizes – basketball and wrist watch.

Ricardo Abrantes, Jr., 32, currently unemployed, from Barangay Maybunga, Pasig City. Prizes – basketball and wrist watch.

Gracia Aran, 46, Housewife from Barangay Calumpang, Binangonan, Rizal. Prizes – basketball and wrist watch.

Raisa Parinas, 16, Student, Stella Maris College Cubao from Camp Crame, Quezon City. Prizes – basketball and wrist watch.

Isagani Valenzuela, Jr., 43, Information Officer, Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 5, AB graduate from UP Los Banos, Master’s graduate in Resource Management at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture from Naga City, Camarines Sur. Prizes – basketball and wrist watch.

Alfred Garrido, 25, Staff Nurse, UST Hospital from Sampaloc, Manila. Prize – basketball.

Jan Lean Navarro, 18, Student, College of St. Benilde from Sucat, Paranaque. Prize – basketball.

Nicole Beatrice Ponce, 18, Student, UST from Manggahan, Pasig City. Prize – basketball.

Alvin Nobelo, 35, Production Technician from Cabuyao, Laguna. Prize – basketball.

Nash Diego Palmos, 17, Student, UST from Imus, Cavite.  Prize – basketball.

Winners may claim their prizes starting Tuesday, July 5, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. from Ms. Babes Angat (Tel. No. 527-6007), 5th Floor, ECJ Building, Arzobispo corner Real Streets, Intramuros.