SMART Gilas: The Filipino Dream

This is a public call-to-action for the country's premier basketball players. There are other sports out there (football is thankfully ever-growing around these parts) that also deserves our attention, but because this is a basketball blog, made by a basketball fan and a Filipino first, let this serve as a reminder as to why we should send and see only the best available talent there is.

When people clamor for your inclusion into a "select team," it is a recognition of your efforts, your accomplishments and the inspiration that you are able to share to Filipinos—rich or poor. That when you work hard enough, you are going to be appreciated (rewarded is a given, since these are professional athletes we are talking about) and adored by the people around you.


This is the Philippine men’s basketball team, not an All Star selection, not a collection of the prettiest faces—but a team that Filipinos would like to see not because they’re aesthetically pleasing to watch, but because we know that we have a legitimate shot at winning with certain players on the roster rather than settling for commendable yet limited individuals.

We owe it first to our Good Lord and savior for blessing us with the height, athleticism and skill. For keeping us safe from career ending injuries along the way. For allowing us to earn a livelihood and support our family.

We owe it to our peers—our parents, friends, coaches, teammates and so on for giving us the opportunity to shine on the basketball court and even off it. That we are able to learn from them just like they did/ do from us.

We owe it to our employers, because we serve as their brand ambassadors wherever we go. There’s no fault in drawing the line with comrades versus adversaries, but petty corporate wars should not be bigger than the national cause. There’s always time for self-promotion elsewhere, but on the basketball court, we are a team. We win as a team, we have our asses handed to us as a team.

Win or lose, as long as we are able to send the best, then we will always embrace our National team. We are Filipinos playing an American sport. Of course we won’t be the biggest winners in it. From genetics to Xs and Os, we are still learning the game while others refine it. Why should we falter or give up on this dream, when it feels so close?