Gilas Pilipinas is the first team to give the Philippines its first win in a FIBA tournament in 40 years.
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Members of the Gilas Pilipinas basketball team deserve a warm welcome and congratulations from the Filipino people upon their return to the country from the FIBA World Cup, Malacañang said Saturday.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda also indicated the team may make a courtesy call to President Benigno Aquino III following their gallant showing in the tournament.
“Ang sambayanang Pilipino, dapat maghanda sa kanilang magiting na panalo sa Senegal… We’re very, very proud of the way the Gilas team, our Gilas team performed,” Lacierda said on government-run dzRB radio.
He added the Palace is sure Filipinos will be celebrating when the team arrives home.
Although Gilas lost its chance to advance to the next round in the FIBA World Cup, it ended its stint on a winning note by winning over Senegal, 81-79, in overtime.
“I’m sure the Filipino people will be celebrating when they arrive… They put up a good fight and made the Philippines proud, and showed may puso ang Pilipino sa paglaban sa kahit anong larangan in sports or any field to show we have heart,” Lacierda said.
When asked if the team will make a courtesy call on Aquino, Lacierda said, “Titingnan natin kasi baka pagdating nila we don’t know kung narito pa si Pangulong Aquino.”(MNS)