Philippines Reclaims Asian Basketball Crown After 61 Years
After an impressive 61-year wait, the Philippines has once again emerged as the king of Asian basketball. In a thrilling showdown against Jordan at the Asian Games men’s basketball finals in Hangzhou, China, the Philippine team secured a decisive 70-60 victory to reclaim the crown they last won in 1962 in Jakarta. This triumphant win followed their dramatic 77-76 victory over their regional rival, China, in the semifinals, which marked their first appearance in the Asian hoop finals in 33 years. For a program in desperate need of a rejuvenation, this victory provided a treasure trove of invaluable gains.
The road to success in such a short span of time emphasized the significance of efficiency in the team’s preparation. With just over two weeks to prepare, national coach Tim Cone laid the foundations right away, ensuring that the players understood the basics and were aligned with his vision. Cone kept the team focused on their ultimate goal of winning the gold medal, emphasizing that anything less was not an option. Challenges arose throughout the tournament, including last-minute roster changes, but Cone and his coaching staff managed to handle each obstacle calmly and methodically. Their philosophy was centered around addressing one problem at a time, ensuring that the team remained focused on their process.
The rebuilding Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) now has the opportunity to learn from these insights and apply them to steer the program in the right direction. However, amidst the celebrations and jubilation, it is crucial not to overlook an essential lesson exemplified by Chris Newsome. This lesson extends beyond techniques and processes and delves into the realm of unparalleled passion and pride.
In the Netflix documentary “Beckham,” there is a notable segment in the first episode that illustrates how the English football star David Beckham’s greatest desire was to represent his country on the national squad. While such athletic patriotism is commonplace in football, it remains a rare find in basketball, not just limited to the Philippines but even in the NBA. The NBA often witnesses top professionals shying away from national team commitments and only seeking redemption after Team USA suffers international losses, often targeting the Olympics for redemption. Though not deeply rooted, this problem also exists in the Philippines.
Players tend to offer superficial statements such as “I’m always ready when the national team calls” or “It’s every basketball player’s dream to play for the national team.” However, there is a stark difference when someone truly longs for the opportunity. Chris Newsome embodies the latter. Even after being cut from the team, Newsome remained dedicated and supportive. Rather than sulking or leaving, he stayed with the team during the Fiba World Cup, assisting his teammates in warmups and providing guidance. Newsome, a 33-year-old PBA star, displayed a sense of solidarity and commitment typically associated with a ball boy, not a seasoned professional.
Newsome’s inclusion in the Asian Games roster proved essential, as his contributions, particularly on the defensive end, played a pivotal role in securing the gold medal. His journey highlights the importance of dedication and an unwavering desire to represent the nation on the basketball court. The SBP should strive to cultivate such behavior and instill a sense of pride and determination in every player, fueling their aspirations of wearing the PILIPINAS jersey with honor.
By building a pool of players like Chris Newsome, the national federation can revolutionize the country’s basketball program and propel it to new heights.
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