SBP on SEAG: Not just win but win big

MANILA, Philippines — Winning the gold in the basketball competitions of the 30th SEA Games is not the sole objective of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

“It’s not just to win but to win big,” said SBP executive director Sonny Barrios in yesterday’s PSA Forum at Tapa King in Cubao.

To win big, therefore, the Philippines will have to send its best team made up of the finest the PBA can offer.

In SEA Games history, the Philippines has failed to win the gold in men’s basketball only twice – in 1979 and 1989 (both against Malaysia).

The SBP will not let it happen at home.

“The SEA Games is another important tournament this year simply because we are hosting,” said the former PBA commissioner.

The Philippines is out to prove that in the SEA Games, Filipino basketball players are untouchable.

“People say it’s an overkill,” said Barrios of fielding a team made up of PBA players with perhaps a sprinkling of amateurs.

“We are the hosts. In the SEA Games, if we win a game by less than 15 points, parang malungkot tayo (we look sad),” added Barrios.

In the past, the local basketball officials have classified the SEA Games as a tournament where players outside the PBA are given the chance to shine.

But the SBP will not leave anything to chance this time.

There’s a saying that the Philippines can lose any other gold medal in the SEA Games but not in basketball.

There are four gold medals at stake in the SEA Games in November – the men’s 5-on-5 and 3x3 and women’s 5-on-5 and 3x3.

Barrios is confident that the Philippines can win them all.

“That’s the mandate,” he said.