#AnimatED: Hold your heads up, Gilas Pilipinas!

In the Philippines there’s a saying that basketball fans use to summarize the ups and downs of hoops: Bilog ang bola, or “the ball is round.”

But when the Philippine national men’s team, known as Gilas Pilipinas, loses an important match, it’s as if that round ball is covered in spikes.

The popularity of the team is such that whether or not a top player accepts the call to play is viewed as a measure of his patriotism. When the team loses, a nation mourns.

The recently concluded FIBA Asia Championship ended in heartbreak for the Philippines as China reclaimed its spot atop the continental basketball tournament with a 78-67 victory of Gilas in the final on Saturday, October 3, grabbing the one guaranteed spot in the 2016 Rio Olympics that was at stake.

If the Philippines’ silver medal in Manila two years ago “shined like gold” because it earned the country an invite to the 2014 FIBA World Cup, this year’s second place finish served as a reminder for the need to continue rebuilding, just as China did during Iran’s run of 3 Asia golds in 4 meets.

Instead of wallowing over officiating or a depleted talent pool, take stock of the many positives that were revealed about the Philippine basketball team.

Like Jayson Castro, who reasserted his position as the best point guard in Asia by averaging 16.7 points per game and once again earning a spot in the FIBA Asia Mythical 5. May his level of public appreciation and celebrity one day catch up with his accomplishments.

Or Andray Blatche, the Philippines’ naturalized center who demystified Iran’s Hamed Haddadi in Gilas’ first victory over the Middle Eastern powerhouse at the Asian Championships since 1973.

There was also the gutsy play of “The Cebuano Hotshot” Dondon Hontiveros, 37, and Asi Taulava, 42, who bucked detractors by proving their ages were just stats on a trading card. 

You also must mention Calvin Abueva, who went from being the PBA player you loved to hate to the compatriot whose doggedness on the court makes him someone you want on your team, and Terrence Romeo, the man who Castro will one day turn the keys to the team over to.

All of the men who answered the Gilas call are worthy of admiration, as is Tab Baldwin, serving in his first FIBA tournament as head coach.

After Gilas overcame a life-and-death struggle with Japan in their semifinal match, Baldwin took note of a disconsolate Makoto Hiejima crying as he addressed Japanese media. Leaving his podium, Baldwin walked over to console Hiejima, who had just played his heart out in an attempt to topple Gilas.

The Philippines earned the respect of their peers with their skill, determination and class.

The Philippines still has a chance – albeit a slight one – to earn passage to the Rio Games through a qualifying tournament next July. These are the kinds of long-odds chances which the team often finds itself in, and which seem to bring out the best in them.

Hold your heads up, Gilas Pilipinas and Gilas Pilipinas fans. Have a beer to console yourself, then have a beer to celebrate. This team has done their country proud. – Rappler.com