The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas had a banner year that made Filipinos proud.
Two gold medals in two major international events — the Southeast Asian Games and the Asian Games — were considered as major achievements that made SBP one of the most successful sports federations in the country.
The title in the 32nd SEA Games held in Cambodia in May was truly sweet.
When the previous SEA Games was held in Vietnam more than two years ago, the Filipinos suffered a massive blackeye when they lost the men’s basketball title to a gutsy Indonesian squad that was handled by former Gilas Pilipinas coach Rajko Toroman.
It was such a painful setback as it was the first time for the Filipinos to surrender the SEA Games gold since bowing to host country Malaysia in 1989.
But with Justin Brownlee as reinforcement, Gilas Pilipinas was able to bounce back, beating the import-studded Cambodian squad in the final to clinch the gold medal and redeem its shattered pride.
Brownlee regained his winning touch, this time, on a bigger, brighter stage of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
If redemption was the battle cry in the SEA Games, the Asiad was all about rewriting history.
A 61-year gold-medal drought was staring at the face of Gilas Pilipinas and basketball officials felt that they need the right personnel to turn their fortunes around.
On the heels of the Philippines’ forgettable campaign in the FIBA World Cup in Manila, Gilas coach Chot Reyes announced that he will be “stepping aside” as Gilas Pilipinas mentor.
His decision prompted the federation to appoint multi-titled head coach Tim Cone to coach the Filipinos. Cone, after all, has the credentials as he is regarded as the winningest coach in Philippine Basketball Association history with two grand slams under his belt.
But more than that, he coached the last Filipino squad to the medal podium of the Asian Games in Bangkok in 1998, making him the runaway favorite to handle the program that was still licking the wounds of its setback in the FIBA World Cup.
Amid uncertainties as key players like Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva, Jason Perkins and Mo Tautuaa were barred from seeing action after failing to be part of the initial list, the SBP and Gilas had to come up with an instant decision on how to come up with a competitive 12-man roster.
With time running out, the federation tapped CJ Perez, Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross of San Miguel Beer as well as Kevin Alas of NLEX to join the squad composed of June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Arvin Tolentino, Calvin Oftana, Chris Newsome, Brownlee and Ange Kouame.
That basketball smarts, talent, and leadership were counted on the most by Cone, especially his long-time player Brownlee, who came up with one of the best performances ever in the international arena when he rallied the Filipinos from a 20-point deficit in the gold medal match against host China.
Brownlee scored 17
fourth-quarter points, including the go-ahead three-point basket in the last 24 seconds, allowing the Filipinos to escape with a thrilling 77-76 win that sent them to the final against familiar foes in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and the Jordanians.
With momentum on their side, Gilas made short work of Jordan, 70-60, to complete one of the most important and heartwarming victories in Philippine basketball history.
Although Brownlee tested positive for using a banned substance, that didn’t take away the impact of Gilas Pilipinas victory that ended more than six decades title drought in the biggest athletic event in Asia.
Before the year ended, the federation appointed Erika Dy – the architect of its successful World Cup hosting – as executive director.
Dy said 2024 will be very exciting as they kick it off with a basketball summit with the goal of aligning all stakeholders in their quest for a slot in the Paris Olympics.
It’s tough but, at least, they are on the right track.
