Nats draw accolades for worthy Bahrain job

MANILA, Philippines — Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan and president Al Panlilio both lauded the all-cadet Gilas Pilipinas for its stirring two-game sweep of an all-pro Thailand side in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers in Manama, Bahrain.

“Well done, Gilas Bahrain v2020. You have earned the trust and confidence given to you to play there. You not only made us proud, you also supplied a bit of sunshine in what looks like a somber Christmas. Safe travel back,” said Pangilinan in a tweet moments after the Filipinos’ 93-69 bashing of the Thais Monday night.

Panlilio expressed confidence he has seen a glimpse of a glorious future as the country braces for its co-hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup with Indonesia and Japan.

“I’m excited about this pool of young men and see who among them will remain in 2023 and compete for slots with PBA veterans,” said Panlilio. “It will really be nice to see a split between these young men and some PBA veterans.”

Dwight Ramos and brothers Juan and Javi Gomez de Liaño were among the players with stellar showings in Gilas’ sweep of Thailand.

Ramos, a 22-year-old, 6-5 Ateneo recruit from California, shone the brightest as he led the team with 20 points in a 93-61 win last Friday and then chipped in 13 in the next.

The Gomez de Liaño siblings then took charge in the second and combined for 33 points with Javi firing 19 and Juan chipping in 14.