By REY C. LACHICA
HANGZHOU, China – Filipino migrants are teeming with excitement for a chance to see up close and personal members of Gilas Pilipinas competing in the 19th Asian Games here.
A Filipino working in a government TV station said Filipino communities from nearby provinces, especially those in the sprawling capital city of Beijing and Ningbo, are expected to come here and find a way to buy tickets to watch Gilas’ game next week.
After all, they all have the time to cheer for their long time idols since they will have a holiday break due to the host’s Mid-Autumn Festival – also known as Lantern or Moon Festival.
Problem for them is that tickets in almost all playing venues are almost sold out.
“Sold out na halos mga tickets,” said the Filipino who is a technical staff of a TV station. “But I’m sure maraming pupunta rito.”
Sans Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva, Mo Tautuaa and Jason Perkins – who were denied by the organizing committee – the Nationals are scheduled to arrive Sunday, Sept. 24, two days before facing Bahrain at 1:30 p.m.
A Gilas insider said all players are in high spirits specially after posting an 86-81 over Korea’s LG Sakers and also after a meeting with Samahang Basketbol of the Philippines President Al Panlilio.
“Except for the players, ibang staff ng team pinalabas at kinausap ni Sir Al ng heart-to-heart,” added the insider.
When they were allowed to return, they saw players holding envelops but had no idea what’s inside.
“Hindi namin alam kung tickets or pera ang binigay, but the players are all smiling,” added the source.
The four players, he added, will not be coming here since they have no accreditation. Taking their places are CJ Perez, Arvin Tolentino, Chris Ross and Kevin Alas.
Another late replacement is Marcio Lassiter, who took the slot of injured Roger Pogoy.
Completing the Magnificent 12 are Scottie Thompson, Calvin Oftana, Chris Newsome, Japeth Aguilar, June Mar Fajardo, and naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame.
Still, Gilas coach Tim Cone remained positive that the group could be setting up something promising at the Asiad.
“You never judge a team by one game, whether good or bad. You never judge an import by the first game they play. We’re still adjusting together but we really did some positive things out there, we moved the ball well, we had 14 assists in the first half. We didn’t come into this game worried about whether we would lose or win, I said everybody else would worry about that but we’re just gonna come out and see if we can defend and move the ball,” Cone said.
After Bahrain, Gilas will face Thailand on Wednesday and the dangerous Jordan on Saturday to cap its group elimination.
