Spot the Difference

     Not since 2007 has a non-Middle East team made it to the semi-finals of the FIBA Asia Champions' Cup, and it figures that Smart Gilas, the team that could, is the one who made it.  Trailing by as many as 15, Gilas summoned the courage and resiliency I've been saying (for the past 2 years) they have to rattle off a searing run, capped by a Chris Tiu 3 pointer and a Japeth Aguilar 3-point play to seize the lead from Al-Jalaa Syria.  Then, they never looked back and held on to make history, beating Syria, 85-80.


     Finally getting into the Phil Sports Arena early, I got to talking to some of the spectators and it was truly a rewarding experience.

     Getting into the Iran-Saudi Arabia game at the 3rd quarter, I notice rabid cheering for the defending champs and I'm startled to see the score show a 25 point lead.  Judging by the noise, I would've thought the score was a lot closer.  I then fix my eyes on the source of all the excitement.  I meet Amin, a college student,  just one of the close to 50 "Proud Persians" in the lower box stands, cheering lustily for their dominant team.  During a timeout, we get to talking and Amin was a blast to talk with.  "It doesn't matter if they win or not; if they're champion or not," explains Amin when I ask him about Iran's chances in the tournament.  "They are heroes and we support them with our last breath."  

Amin (leftmost) "It's our duty to cheer for our team"

     Amin, who proclaims 7'4" beanpole Jaber as his favorite player, admits he doesn't know much about basketball, but he does know Gilas.  "You're team is pretty good, very strong." Yet, as I ask him if Gilas makes them nervous, he shrugs. "It would be nice if Iran and the Filipinos play against each other; (but) we don't care about the results, at all; we are here because it's our national duty to cheer for our team."

Rey (middle, 2nd row fr bottom) "Win or lose Team Pilipinas kami!"

     An hour and a half later, as Gilas went into the halftime with the momentum, I chance upon another rowdy group with a flag. I meet Rey Respicio, an employee of GLC Truck and Equipment and his co-workers.  Rey, too was especially cheerful despite Gilas' 7-point deficit.  "We came straight from work; we came to cheer for Team Pilipinas!" answers Rey as I ask where they came from.  The group goes wild as Chris Tiu, the group's favorite player (as dictated by the ladies) re-enters the floor. "The defense is sometimes collapsing, but we still believe!" cheers Rey and then he gives me a pleasant surprise, "We are Team Pilipinas; win or lose we are Team Pilipinas!"


     As the 22nd FIBA Asia Champions' Cup heats up with a blockbuster Mahram Iran vs Smart Gilas Pilipinas on tap on Saturday, June 3 at 6 pm, it's easy to get aggressive and increasingly negative against the opponents.  Then again, we have Amin and Rey, two people whose birthplaces are oceans apart, who similarly remind us what it's really about.  People can knock the importance of the tournament, since it's not an Olympic qualifier.  People can knock on the quality of opposition (although these are some of Asia's best).  People can give doomsday predictions all they want.  At the end of the day, Amin and Rey will be there, cheering. Because this isn't about the Olympics; this isn't about who's better, taller, faster or stronger.  It's about national pride; how much you love your nation and I thank Amin and Rey for that reminder.