By REYNALD MAGALLON
The three stars and the sun have finally shone above Asia.
Gilas Pilipinas is back to the throne in the men’s 5-on-5 basketball in the Asian Games after an agonizing 61-year wait and it was only natural for its basketball-crazy fans, who endured some stinging setbacks and heartbreaks from the past, to celebrate it in social media.
Wildly. Proudly.
“Gilas Pilipinas”, “Tim Cone”, “Ange Kouame” and even “Chot” were still trending in X even in the next morning after the historic night that saw Gilas beat Jordan, 70-60, for its first Asiad gold medal in the sport since 1962.
“Kamusta ang gising ng mga hari ng Asya,” one X user posted Saturday morning, Oct. 7.
“This morning, we woke up in a world where the Philippines has the best basketball team in Asia. Thank you #GilasPilipinas,” one more fan posted.
“Sa manlulupig, ‘di ka pasisiil. I just have to post this because I’m so proud of the whole Philippine basketball team. Asian Games Gold medalist after 61 years!,” said another X user who also reposted a clip of Gilas players singing the national anthem during the awarding ceremony.
Tim Cone is the GOAT
Much of the praises were showered to Gilas head coach Tim Cone, who despite going through a maze of adversity prior to the Asian Games, found a way for his team to deliver the long coveted gold.
After all, Cone’s hastily built lineup with only two weeks to prepare managed to win against all odds – in the face of Asian powerhouses Iran and China and in front of a hostile crowd – a testament to his coaching greatness.
“Folks, let me remind you that Tim Cone only had 12 days to prepare his team as head coach. 12 days!!! Chot resigned as soon as FIBA was done leaving the head coach spot vacant with less than 2 weeks away from the Asiad. So anyone who downplays Cone’s greatness should shut up,” a fan posted after the win.
Cone’s defensive principles were also on full display in the final game, cutting a Jordan team down to size after it exploded for 87 points in their first meeting.
“Beautiful defensive game plan. Total team effort. JB and Scottie anchored and heroes came to help. Tim Cone is truly a gem,” wrote former PSC chairman and PBA commissioner Noli Eala.
“Tonight, we didn’t see the usual Gilas Pilipinas who relies mostly on offense. We won the Asian Games by playing DEFENSE. Salamat, Tim Cone! The goat of PH basketball ^ #LabanPilipinas,” another fan echoed.
From World Cup final cut to Asian Games gold medalist
Fans also took notice and heaped praises on Chris Newsome who was at the forefront of Gilas’ defensive stand. He was tasked to shadow Jordan’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson who he made bleed for all of his 24 points in the contest.
The fans expressed their joy towards the success of Newsome who despite being the final cut in the World Cup along with Calvin Oftana, dedicated his time with the team, even serving as a ball boy during the usual shoot around.
“Chris Newsome went from being cut in the World Cup to helping out as a “ballboy” during Gilas warmups to being one of the best players in the finals and getting that gold after 61 years. What a story of just continuing to work hard and it will pay off,” one fan pointed out.
“It’s about time Chris Newsome is being recognized. Good job!,” another commented.
“Chris Newsome & Ange Kouame, unsung heroes for the GOLD medal game… Really believed Chris deserved a spot in the World Cup. But good guys get what they deserve. As I said, I was excited for the Asian Games. Best in Asia,” one shared.
