If you’re a basketball fan, there’s no reason for you not to rally behind the country’s hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Yeah, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks won’t be flying in to help the Greeks.
Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, like the Greek Freak, won’t be beefing up Serbia as well.
And the American squad blowing into town won’t be fielding legit National Basketball Association superstars named Steph Curry, James Harden and LeBron James.
But don’t tell me you are not at all excited to see the American display their razzle-dazzle brand of play.
Last thing I heard, the United States team bound for Manila has been making lots of heads turn in their pre-tournament games.
In Malaga several days ago, the Americans downed world No. 1 Spain to make their intentions clear.
Yes, these aren’t those who usually make you grin from ear-to-ear but they are more than willing to prove they are as competitive and skilled as the ones you had wanted to see.
And even if you still don’t give a damn about them, you have a moral duty to defend the fatherland.
Remember, Gilas Pilipinas has finally solved its problem with Jordan Clarkson and even with Kai Sotto, making this team a potent one despite injuries on key players.
It will be interesting to see how Sotto’s going to fare in the early goings when the Filipinos battle the Dominican Republic, Angola and two-time Olympic silver medalist Italy.
Sotto will be at the forefront of the host’s ambitious bid to make the next round with Clarkson forming the tip of head coach Chot Reyes’ lance.
When Gilas make its debut against the Dominicans on 25 August, make sure to attend the game live at the Philippine Arena.
And if you can’t, watch them on television at home or at the office. Better yet, attend a viewing party to do your part.
Who knows? Gilas might end up winning twice and that’ll be good enough to earn a spot in the next round.
For the Philippines, this year’s hosting is all about one thing.
And that is seeing Gilas make everyone feel proud of being a Filipino.
That’s the most important thing.
