We wanted this

Remember when we used to moan about not being able to beat China in FIBA basketball? It seemed like we would never be able to overcome them. We still remember them running roughshod over the Philippine team of PBA players in the 1990 Asian Games. They were literally a great wall in the country‘s path to greatness. It seemed like forever until the Philippines finally did. But the path towards it is littered with the disappointment and broken dreams of dozens of national team players. There never seemed to be enough material to overcome China’s regimentation and size.

Now, China has been through their own rebuilding, and Gilas Pilipinas has become even stronger. We beat them in the same Asian Games after the pandemic. And in 2025, we know that we can battle all of the best teams in Asia on even terms. It is often simply a question of availability or injury that tilts the scales in our favor. Today, the Philippines is also mentioned among the likes of China, Japan, Lebanon, and Korea. This was not a short process. It was not an easy process. Many sacrificed to build up Philippine basketball to this level. For that, we are relieved and grateful.

Then here comes Australia. The Boomers are a top 10 FIBA team, transplanted from Oceania into our region, less than a decade ago. Now, they are the big dogs in Asia. Undefeated since they first played in the FIBA Asia Cup, and seemingly invincible. Another challenge, another headache, another mountain to climb. So frustrating that we engaged them in a brawl which looked bad for everyone. Great. Here we go again.

Now, some of us are starting to sound like we did against China. They’re too tall, too strong, too good. We’ll never be able to beat them. The naysayers have resurfaced. We’ve been in this position before, and we’ve been able to turn things around. As this writer said Saturday, let’s add to the energy needed, not subtract from it. We were spoiled from all the victories after the FIFA World Cup. We were on a roll. We felt good. Things were great.

But players get injured, some retire, some are tired, and new additions require more time for chemistry. That is simply the way things are. We have been in this position before, and the effort and struggle it takes to succeed makes victory ultimately sweeter. We have the size and the talent and the commitment to succeed again. Let’s also remember that we wanted this. We want to be in a position the battle the big boys this is where we wanted to be. Did we expect it to get easier?

We already know that we are capable. Making major changes will only set us back. The players will have time to heal, to rest and to prepare for November. At full strength, Gilas Pilipinas can give anyone a good fight. We’ve seen that. We know that. So what are we so worried about? Australia is just another Great Wall to climb over, go around or break through. The Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas and PBA are doing all the right things. It’s just a matter of time before everything bears fruit. It will happen.  Let’s have faith.