Once upon a time, there lived a bunch of talented basketball player whose ultimate goal is to reach the 2012 London Olympic. Like Cindy, reaching for that goal is never easy. The bunch meets lots of challenging obstacles that test how far they can go. There too a “cruel stepmother” and “cruel stepsisters” that makes their journey even tougher. These are the teams that can’t accept defeats in the pass against our National team, Smart Gilas…teams who only wanted to get back and got nothing in mind but to sabotage our beloved Smart Gilas using cheap, dirty tactics.
Well, I say that they are just envious of the Smart Gilas boys. Aside, from the talent the Smart Gilas boys have inside the court, they too have the brain and, not to mention, the good looks—-the pretty faces that bounce to the whole world like the ball they are holding during the game. Also, the fact that Smart Gilas boys always give these teams a hard time inside the court.
One of the biggest hurdles that the Smart Gilas boys faced happened just recently during the FIBA Asia Championship when two key players in the name of Chris Luts and Marcio Lassiter weren’t allowed to play in the first round of the qualifying game due to ineligibility issue. The remaining Smart Gilas Boys need to play strongly and confidently. And they never failed the expectations of the whole nation.
They faced their opponents bravely. They play all out to reach the second round of the championship even to the point of injury. It is a painful battle. But every pain felt has been paid off when they reach the second round.
Aside from that, there’s too the good news that not just the Smart Gilas boys has been praying for but the whole national basketball fans. With the effort of Manny P. Pangilinan and the Samahang Basketbolista ng Pilipinas, Luts and Lassiter has been cleared and allowed to play for the second round after presenting enough documents to prove their eligibility.
But the protest doesn’t stop there. Some envious teams still continue their appeal of questioning our two key players’ ineligibility. Thanks to FIBA Asia for making a decision in favor to all Filipino basketball communities.
As expected Smart Gilas boys leap back. They prove to be one of the unbeatable team during the tournament. They give their opponents the reason to be a little scared of them by playing great. They heave scores remarkably. They defended the ball toughly. And, their teamwork is just indescribable.
They stumble…They fall…Yet, they never give up. They stand up and continue fighting for that dream to come true. They hold on to that chance that they can make it o the 2012 London Olympic.
The idea of stopping never crosses the minds of the Smart Gilas boys. They just simply love basketball and the country. They got the talent, confidence and the courage within them. And their supporters is just behind them, continue believing that they can really make it in every possible way and bring pride to all Filipinos all over the globe.
But sad to admit it, in the end Smart Gilas boys failed after losing to Jordan. What breaks my heart the most is losing that one chance to reach 2012 London Olympic and taking home a bronze medal after they lost to South Korea by just two points disadvantage. It totally signed off the whole Philippine dream of joining the Olympic.
It is a very painful moment and the whole Smart Gilas Pilipinas fans bleed with the whole team too. I, myself, cried so hard as I watched the seconds passing by so fast. It deeply hurts that makes breathing for me hard.
Smart Gilas story looks a lot like a tragedy. But, we all need to move on and looking at the brighter side of that sad fate, they fought a gallant battle. They brought Philippines back to the top after so many years of being the underdog. They brought the whole nation to greater heights of glory. What they have accomplished thus far is remarkable. Most of all, Smart Gilas did earned not just my respect but of all Filipinos who loved basketball.
Started in 2009 with the mission to instill a long term program for the Philippines men’s national basketball team, 3 years and the Smart Gilas whole family already proved something that many in the pass failed to do. One step at a time, one day we will just wake up that they are already there uplifting our Filipino pride.
“There is victory in every defeat. A grateful nation salutes you, Smart Gilas for the great effort.”
-@enrico_banzuela via twitter
Even though we have what it takes to continue fighting and reaching for that dream, it is in God’s plan that we are defeated. I believe our dear Creator has a better plan for our national basketball team. Let’s think this way, maybe it is not yet our time and someday, somehow, in a perfect right time, we will too see our national color waving with great pride and honor I the Olympic arena. Who knows when? No one. But, I got a feeling that it would be soon but not too later.
Keep believing and crossing your fingers, guys. Remember that our dream doesn’t stop here! We don’t have to stop neither to quit! It is another step of the stairs to take and we will be there.
“Defeat is often temporary. Giving up makes it permanent.” -@oninski12 via twitter
And, as a forever fan of basketball, I have so much faith with Smart Gilas Pilipinas team and the program. I so believe that one day, like Cindy, that once an impossible dream will come true ad we, Filipinos will live happily ever after!
Heads up, Smart Gilas. We dared to dream. You all made the whole nation believe that we can be proud again. We are honored to have you as our representative and the bearer of our national color in the showground of basketball worldwide. Our quest doesn’t stop here. Our journey must continue.
It will not be an easy journey to take but definitely, we will get there in the perfect time. We are just starting anyway. Keep the faith and continue believing!
Keeping faith with my first, basketball —- Rhea Ferl E. Jemina. FLY HIGH, SMART GILAS…FLY HIGH, TEAM PILIPINAS!!!
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