Widening the Gap

Dating back to the inclusion of the sport of basketball in the South East Asian Games in 1977,  the Philippines has successfully brought home the gold medal in every single edition held save for 1989 wherein we lost to host country Malaysia (2005 was held in the Philippines but scrapped owing to our FIBA suspension while in 2009 Indonesia nixed the sport due to lack of facilities).

So there is some truth when Filipinos proudly declare that the country is the "Kings of Southeast Asian Basketball."


Over Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia and, if ever they do decide to join the fun, most probably over Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar as well.

This 2013, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has revealed the Myanmar-bound line-up headed by 2x UAAP Most Valuable Player Ray Ray Parks, Jr., Keifer Ravena, Louie Alas, Matt Rosser Ganuelas, Ronald Pascual, Jake Pascual, Garvo Lanete, Kevin Ferrer, Rey Mark Belo, Jericho Cruz and Prince Caperal backstopped by Gilas Pilipinas anchor Marcus Douthit and coached by multi-titled mentor Jong Uichico.

Bet money that even if we took out Parks, Ravena and Douthit, chances are that team will still be vying for the Gold Medal based on what we've seen in the ASEAN Basketball League and even in pocket FIBA-sanctioned tournaments.

That's not a knock on our neighbors, but just the plain truth until we're proven wrong.

But for all the talks of this being an "overkill" specially with Douthit on board, we argue that it is only necessary that we send the best available talent to help send a message across.

Philippine basketball is back, we take this seriously and no matter how much outgoing NBA Commissioner David Stern preaches about "equality in basketball" we need to widen the gap against our neighbors.

Widen with gap with continued excellence. By treating meets with respect and dedication. By sending in the best and winning games- tight ones or blowouts, and reminding everyone of our country's claim to the sport this side of the world.

Love it, fight for it and cherish it. Never take if for granted. Never let anyone say that they're just as good as you are.

Laban Pilipinas.