Gilas Pilipinas members are ecstatic as they proudly display their gold medals after a dominant victory over Jordan in the men’s basketball final at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. On Friday, October 6, 2023, the Filipino team showcased their exceptional skills and clinched their first basketball gold in over sixty years. This triumph is a significant milestone that will be remembered for generations to come.
National coach Tim Cone expressed his delight with the team’s performance, emphasizing their discipline throughout the game. He attributed their success to a combination of excellent team play and an off shooting night for Jordan. Led by Justin Brownlee’s outstanding performance with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, Gilas Pilipinas also received crucial contributions from Ange Kouame and Chris Newsome, who scored 14 and 13 points, respectively. The team showcased their defensive prowess, limiting Jordan to a meager 26-percent shooting from the field, their worst in the tournament.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson fought valiantly and scored 24 points for Jordan, but his efforts weren’t enough to secure the gold. With only Freddy Ibrahim reaching double digits in scoring, the Falcons settled for a bridesmaid finish. Despite the loss, coach Cone acknowledged the significance of the game for both teams and enjoyed a well-deserved smirk.
Scottie Thompson, who contributed 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists, played a crucial role in the victory. This win marked the Philippines’ first Asian Games basketball gold since Carlos Loyzaga and his crew achieved the feat in 1962. With this triumph, the Philippines now boasts a total of five basketball titles.
What sets this victory apart is the sacrifice and determination displayed by the team members. Coach Cone was appointed just 19 days before the tournament, and a significant portion of the team arrived late. Despite doubts from critics and fans, the team proved their worth on the court. CJ Perez summed it up best, expressing how they won while on vacation.
This victory also serves as a redemption for Gilas Pilipinas after their disappointing World Cup campaign. The team faced criticism after winning just one game in the tournament, even though they had notable players like Jordan Clarkson in their lineup. However, coach Cone and his squad proved their mettle and silenced their critics.
For Coach Cone, this victory erases the memory of a bronze medal finish in 1998. Leading the Centennial Team, he experienced a heartbreak in the semifinals against China. But in this tournament, he got his sweet revenge over the Chinese with a miraculous 77-76 win in the Final Four, thanks to an incredible fourth quarter performance from Brownlee. This victory set up a highly anticipated rematch with Jordan.
Despite receiving boos from Chinese fans during the semifinals and bronze medal match, the Filipino team persevered and made the nation proud. Brownlee acknowledged the defensive adjustments made by Gilas Pilipinas, which played a significant role in turning the tide in their favor. The victory brought immense happiness not only to the players but also to the people back home.
In conclusion, Gilas Pilipinas’ gold medal victory at the 19th Asian Games showcased their skill, discipline, and determination. This triumph, achieved through sacrifice and resilience, brought joy and vindication to the team and the country.
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