Loss to France in line with the script of Gilas

MANILA, Philippines – It felt like the same old story again, didn’t it?

Is this how it’s always going to be the case? Close, but not close enough. Good enough to make an impact and instil some fear in the hearts of the opponent, but not enough talent to get the job done? The “puso” was there, but the height too much to handle?

There was Andray Blatche, attacking a passing lane on defense on the first possession of the game and finishing with a rim-rattling dunk to awaken the Mall of Asia Arena which was covered in white, all screaming as one. 

There was Jayson Castro, the best point guard in Asia, penetrating the paint fearlessly to make sure France remembered his name. Tony Parker was the opposition on the other side? Well, it was time he found out who The Blur is. 

There was Terrence Romeo, dancing his way with handles that resembled those of Kyrie Irving, playing around with bigger Frenchmen as he searched for ways to spark the Philippine national team. 

There was Troy Rosario. Jeez, what can you say about this guy? Hustling and diving and battling against bigger men, the walking definition of this basketball team’s – this country’s – battlecry.

There was Calvin Abueva, cheering and screaming from the stands himself, still a member of Gilas even if he didn’t get to wear the uniform and sit on the bench next to his comrades in arms. 

And there was Anthony Bennett of Team Canada watching as a spectator and taking a Snapchat video in the first quarter as the crowd went wild, likely amazed with what was transpiring just like everyone else not from the Philippines at the arena.

Everything seemed perfect at first, the type of opening that makes you believe the final chapter could be a happy ending. Until it wasn’t. 93-84, the Frenchmen prevailed. A 10-point Gilas lead erased, and a win-or-go-home situation comes next. 

For brief moments late Tuesday night, it felt like July 5 would be a place in this country’s rich sports history that could rival the Philippines’ unforgettable win against South Korea 3 years ago – the victory of underdog Gilas against number 5 ranked France.

But then reality struck, reminding us once again that height is might and talent in sports is undefeated.

You have to watch Tony Parker live to appreciate the surgical brilliance he plays with on a basketball court. Not for one second did the former NBA Finals MVP look rattled as Gilas threatened to establish an upset in the first quarter. When he returned with a little over 5 minutes to go in the first half, he took over, and the Philippines played catch up the rest of the way.

Pick and roll after pick and roll after pick and roll. Getting open jumpers for himself – he had 3 3-pointers – when he wasn’t finding open teammates. At 34-year-old, he displayed that speed wasn’t all about athleticism – it also requires timing, elusiveness, and a whole lot of experience. Romeo is a decade younger than the San Antonio Spur and likely leaves him in the dust in a track meet, but every time they matched up on the hardwood, Parker got the best of him.

Nando de Colo is a name the common fan may not be used to hearing, but he sure left a lasting impression Tuesday. He scored 27 points to complement the 21 of Parker. Boris Diaw had 9 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, playing both inside and out, hurting Gilas in ways more than the box score can show.

France is ranked number 5 in the world for a reason, yet number 28 Gilas stood toe to toe with them. When the hometown team went ahead by double-digits, the excitement in the air was buzzing, but the fear of the inevitable comeback was prevalent too. And then it finally came, with France erecting a 13-point lead of their own, the potential of a blowout looming. The French started to dominate in the paint (they finished with 54 inside points to Gilas’ 34), and the 3-pointers started to fall in.

The good news? It surprisingly didn’t get worse. Screams of “DEFENSE” filled up the arena in Pasay. Romeo started hitting shots, Castro was using lethal side-steps, Blatche was fighting through what looked like a painful ankle injury, France was shooting baskets for Gilas, and then it was a 4-point game with 3:09 to go.

Then this became clear: it was either going to be an epic comeback or another one of those painful defeats that fans of the team have become accustomed to. Gilas water boys by the bench wore shirts that read “Shock the world,” and as I looked at it, I thought for a second that was going to be the case.

What happened the next 3 possessions?

A basket by Diaw.

Misses by Castro and Rosario.

A jumper by Kim Tillie.

It was 89-81 with 2:01 to go. The game was decided with another disappointing defeat – similar to the ones they suffered in Spain against Croatia, Argentina, and Puerto Rico two years ago.

“It was a pretty solid performance from Gilas and is something that if we could just play at this level a lot more I think we’d start turning out good results in games like this,” said Gilas head coach Tab Baldwin after the game.

Baldwin is right. The Philippines committed 18 turnovers and shot 13% worse than France (54-41) from the field. A lot of times, the national team settled for isolation plays over seeking for a better shot attempt out of crisp ball movement – even if Baldwin admits “we’re an isolation team.” Getting out-scored by 20 in the paint, despite the height discrepancy, is too big a number.

Yet despite all the obstacles, the Philippines was in the position to steal a victory down the stretch. A few lucky bounces here and there, and the mood of the country might be different than what it is now. What’s become clear is that when it comes to Gilas, it’s usually either ecstasy or heartbreak.

And that’s what makes Wednesday’s game against New Zealand so exciting. Win, and the national team is in great position to make the next round. Lose, and it ends up going 0-2 in the biggest basketball event the country has hosted in 3 decades. The stakes are high and moments will be made – good or bad.

Regardless of what happens, this much is clear: Gilas always puts its fans on a crazy ride. Wednesday night is going to be the same, and millions of Filipinos across the world are either going to join in on the celebration, or take part in the sorrow.

That’s the Gilas Pilipinas experience for you, and what a journey it is. – Rappler.com