It's People's Triumph, after all
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 08 Aug 2018
IT?S official: Our national basketball team to this year?s Asian Games will be known as the Gilas National Team.
This was relayed yesterday by Ed Picson, spokesman of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Picson also referred to the statement of POC president Ricky Vargas in a previous press conference announcing the decision of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to rejoin the Asian Games basketball tournament.
Picson earlier said there may be no turning back, after a letter of withdrawal had been sent to Indonesia.
**
In his statement, Vargas said they were left with no choice but bow to the resonating public clamor for the Philippines to send a team to the Asian Games slated in Indonesia Aug. 18-Sept. 2.
A national team has been formed out of the core of the Rain or Shine outfit, which the tried and tested Yeng Guiao had led to two PBA championships before his move to NLEX.
The team, with assorted reinforcements, including the 45-year-old Asi Taulava, Paul Lee and Christian Standhardinger, has started twice-a-day workouts. It was initially bracketed with UAE, Iran and Syria.
**
Guiao however broke the news before practice at the Meralco Gym on Monday about a reported change in the bracketing that has put the Philippines in a tougher group that include powerhouses China and Kazakhstan.
SBP president Al Panlilio, among those who worked for the Philippine return to the Asiad, has called for strong support and prayers for the Gilas National Team.
As it would turn out, there was no single factor or figure that caused the happy twist. It was the overwhelming cry of the basketball-loving public.
**
?This is all about Filipino Pride and nothing unites Filipinos of every social class than what happens on the basketball court,? Special Assistant to the Presidential Bong Co told the AFP.
Go, a three-point shooting medalist, has been singled out as a main force behind the return of the Philippines team to the Asian Games tournament.
He has refused to take credit, but insisted the hastily formed national squad will keep trying to do the best.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 15 Feb 2026“The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 15 Feb 2026Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026