Perils of Being a Visionary

     Being a visionary is tough. By definition you alone (or at most, a couple of people) see the vision of greatness you have in mind and most of the time, you're labelled as insane, arrogant or foolish. (Props to you if you get all 3.)

     When Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) took over the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), he saw a grand vision. He then put us on the road to that vision by setting up the Gilas program. Gilas 1 was the 1st crack. Rajko Toroman, himself a trail blazer who led Iran to the Olympics, gathered a group of amateur stars to form a national team who would play only for the national team. It was ambitious. Gilas 1? A fourth place finish, courtesy of yet again a heartbreaking loss to Korea, was the Philippines' best FIBA Asia finish since 1985. No Olympic berth? No PBA stars? Internet 'experts' and 'pundits' had a field day.

     "Insane, arrogant and foolish," they said. They didn't get it.

     Armed with the experience of Gilas 1, Gilas 2 was set into motion. Multi-titled coach Chot Reyes was tasked to coach this time. This time PBA players would be called but only those who would fit the system of a Dribble Drive Offense. Gilas 2? A 2nd place finish and a World Cup berth. The Philippines' best finish in decades. Celebrations all around. Internet 'experts' and 'pundits' are back. No gold medal? No chance to win the World Cup?

     "Insane, arrogant and foolish," they said.  They still don't get it. 

      The vision of greatness Pangilinan, Toroman, Reyes and company saw was not the gold medal. It wasn't even the 2014 World Cup slot. It's Gilas whipping the crowd into a frenzy with a blitz that stunned Japan. It's Japeth Aguilar dunking over the Qataris. It's Marcus Douthit playing extended minutes on an injured shin against Hong Kong. It's Gary David scoring 21 points to a chorus of 'Gary! Gary! Gary!' chants. It's Jason Castro zipping by everyone. It's Jimmy Alapag ending the Korean curse. It's Marc Pingris outrebounding giants on one good leg. It's Ranidel de Ocampo scoring inside only through guile. It's the Philippines chanting 'defense' in the arena, at the sari sari store, barber shop, tricycle stand or at home. It's a coaching staff led by Reyes who burst into tears at making history, making countless hours of scouting, teaching and watching videos worth it. It's about foreign FIBA commentators marvelling at the Filipino skill and passion for basketball. It's Asia recognizing and experiencing the Filipino's signature hospitality.

      As with all great things, it was never just about the goal; it's always been about the journey. Medals don't unite a country and revive national pride. A nation coming together to host a successful event does. A team of players suffering from a host of injuries, a height disadvantage but yet displaying skill, talent and puso does. A nation of supporters willing players to win through prayers, good vibes and cheers does. 

Allow me to reinterpret Chot Reyes as I quote him, 'We have achieved our goal and the dream is at hand.'
 
There is no insanity, arrogance, foolishness.  Only a revitalized Filipino spirit. 

Mr. Pangilinan, we get it now.