WHY feel sorry?
It was not the players’ fault but the inability of the officials to sort out their problems. It took them years to resolve it and then form a team which is less than a year old.
Congratulations to all the players for giving a good fight!
– N S Rivera, Cerritos, California (via e-mail)
September 11th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
para sa akin isa lng ang problema natin..politics..pera…kung maayos ang problema natin sa politics gaganda ang economiya at may pondo ang ating gobyerno para sa mga trainings at mga facilities ng ating mga athleta.yun ang main problem natin dun.
August 24th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
response to kimosabe…. the RP team wasnt funded by the government. it was backed by the PBA and some companies but they never asked for government support.
and yes i agre with you that we should look at other sports where we have a better chance. football has a growing number of supporters, thanks to cable TV we now get to see live football coverage of european leagues. and maybe in the near future we could have our own national league, where future pinoy footballers can hone their skills.
back to basketball… it doesnt mean we should abandon basketball… the boys played their hearts out… they played hurt but that didnt slow them down. they showed their class and im real proud of them.
and yeah… no one is to blame. it is not the officials or the coaching staff. forget the BAP and SBP bickering…. lets leave it all behind. forget the groupings… any group we’re in is a group of death anyway. we all know we are capable of spoiling the show or pulling the rug from underneath them… we all know that right? so maybe that is something we must always remember… now, lets pick up where we left off.
August 16th, 2007 at 11:07 am
there’s nothing to ashame of… Failure is always a part of team building. RP 5 gone so far. Well, not because of that Greek referee, nor the low FG percentage in jordan’s game. Maybe it’s not yet the time for the Pinoys to make it in the Olympic stage. There’s a lot of time to craft our basketball skills. Asian competitors now are in fast pace in crafting their skills especially the mid-eastern country. Nope, not only the height is to be consider in basketball but the passion in playing it. Keep it up RP 5, I’m so proud to be an avid fan of RP 5. Sooner we’ll be in London Olympics…
August 12th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
They did a good job. Considering the time constraints, the unfamiliarity with the rules, and the clear height disadvantage.
We cannot just say to shift to other sports. Basketball is in our culture already. We love to watch this game. (kahit sa inter-barangay) Instead we try to make ourselves competitive. Use the rules like naturalizing someone. Hindi naman porke natatalo tayo ibig sabihin di natin kaya (ano ba kayo- para namang sinasabi nyo na magcaregiver ka na lag dahil dimo kaya maging nurse). What was Argentina in basketball before…di ba panis rin sila dati. Nagpursige sila. Kung i give up natin ang basketball, ano alternative for a team sport? Football? wala na ngang dumohan na matino dito eh. Mas lalo tayong di mananalo dahil huli na tayo nito sa technology, facilities, and set-up kahit sa SEA — at least sa basketball hari pa rin tayo sa SEA games. Baseball? lalo na. Isa nga lang alam a pitch ng pitchers natin (fastball lang). Tapos itong alternatives walang fan base…pano uunlad at madevelop..walang sponsors at appeal. It will take years for other sports to be competitive kahit sa Asian level lang.
I just pray that the PBA and the basketball leaders will continue to support our national team!
August 12th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Basketball is not for Pinoys. Its a game of height and speed, instead we should focus on games that are medal potentials. Imagine 10 people for only one medal wherein we can produce 10 medals from 10 boxers. Give it up guys!
August 12th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
WHAT A SHAME!!! Mag-showbiz na lang kayo or mag-pose sa female mag.
August 12th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
This team has noting to be ashamed of. They gave a good fight even though they only had five months to prepare (because of the politicking of the higher-ups, but at least that’s been fixed). So what if we don’t have a chance in winning an Olympic gold in basketball? Does that mean we have to stop supporting athletes that represent the Philippines? When we know it’s the best we have?
We don’t have to stop supporting basketball just to start supporting other sports. Rather, we should support all athletes.
We only wanted to be in the Olympics because it’s the most concrete way to show that we have a good basketball program, and that we could compete with the best.
Good job, RP 5, no need to say sorry. You may not have won the championship, but you brought back some RESPECT for Philippine basketball, and that’s all that really matters.
August 12th, 2007 at 2:13 am
Why we would shift to other sports. Basketball is the passion of Filipinos. we don’t want football or any other sports.As a filipino, I want basketball to succeed. It’s the sports that we love. We only need preparation and the determination to win!
August 11th, 2007 at 11:49 pm
I agree that other sports be given a chance. Basketball is not the sports of us; unless if there is a certain height limit or category like boxing wherein we could compete then there is achance to win. We have plenty of talents but Filipinos are not at par with height & physique against foreign teams. Why not try soccer wherein skill and not much of height is the advantage. Mamulat at magising na kayo sa katotohanan. Matagal nang issue ito. Worse officials would rely on some Fil-Ams to add some height on the roster. Di rin umepekto. Isn’t this enough proof. Ano ba kayo?
August 11th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
At least the players knew to whom they were accountable to, not like our present crop of so-called ’statesmen’.
I agree that it was not directly the fault of the players. The fault is squarely on the shoulders of our officials. The internal feuding between the BAP and the SBP (which resulted in our suspension) cost us big time. The loss in Tokushima may very well be attributed to misfortune or unfamiliarity with international ballplay, but ultimately it was the loss of commitment and sense of pride from our officials that defined our journey in Tokushima.
Of course there are other sports for Filipinos to excel in, but it is rather unfair to say that basketball is not the sport for us. Basketball is just a game of height or any other physical advantage. It is a sport decided by mental and emotional fortitude. We can beat the international opposition out there. We just have to get our acts together. And FAST.
August 11th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
The Team Pilipinas has nothing to be ashamed of. They gave it all and with barely a year or more of preparation, Coach Chot and Company, deserve a big round of applause. However, I believe it is high time for the PBA to shift to strictly FIBA rules, considering that most, if not all of the players that will don the RP jersey will be taken from the PBA, they are more familiar and all that will be needed is the blending and jelling, unlike in the last tourney where there were couple of times that we are being whistled for “deliberate fouls”, which incidentally is not under the PBA rules, and the opponents were being awarded two (2) gift shots plus ball possession.
August 11th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Though we really love the game of Basketball, we must admit at this point there’s no chance of winning an olympic gold or at least bronze on this sport. I hope that sports official in the country have realize that and will give focus, attention and financial assistance to other sports with higher chance of winning an olympic gold.
August 11th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
we are as good as any country when it comes to basketball, anyone with enough basketball IQ should know that.and its difficult for other nations to accept the fact how we rescind our height discrepancy in basketball as graceful as we do. yes we maybe too fancy or at times showboating, but thats what makes us comparable to the nba. its not just a sport but entertainment as well.and theres nothing more gorgeous looking that winning in a tall man’s game. much more to do it in style! -personally,i will not watch basketball if i were chinese.. will any of you?
August 11th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
No excuses, We lost.Life’s goes on.Continues training for the Philippine team will be great.We’ll get it someday…..
August 11th, 2007 at 6:01 am
I 100% agree that it took years for the politicians to unite and prepare a basketball team in 4 to 5 months. Our Asian counterparts have been playing for years and even as team mates for a decade or so. Team work will always take time and the PBA or all other basketball leagues should adopt FIBA rules if we expect to WIN!
August 10th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Teamwork does not start with the players or is only with the players. You people agreeing to this admission of failure are as much losers as they are. The whole act of the playing team and the coaching team reflect Filipino society. And this is not a sport that we will ever be good at. Filipinos are not team players. Invest in boxing, swimming, fighting sports that rely on individual effort not one that can be shot down with intrigues and gossips and backbiting.
August 10th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Dont say sorry, you’ve given your best!
thank you for playing for our country.
August 10th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
im so satisfied RP team pilipinas shown in fiba qualifiers.im also sad about mr Eala resignation. hes doing good job of reforming pba into most competitive league.im a basketball and a boxing fan. i believe its a loss to the basketball community.
August 10th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
We need to have international playing experiences particularly with FIBA rules. PBA should adopt most of, if not all, FIBA rules. It is important for coaches to learn how these games played at the level of FIBA games. And when we will be forming again our national team from players of PBA teams only minor adjustments are needed coz coaches and players know the styles, strengths, and of water lo of the players. We need players with shooting capabilities but with pretty good defense in and out of the shaded areas. Centers should need to shoot at perimeters. We have a pretty good pool of point guards here in PBA and this is our main strength.
August 10th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
It was the fault of fashionista wannabe FAT CHOT REYES. He lost the iran game with a technical. That was stupid, and his demeanor sucks.
The players however were fantastic!
August 10th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
I want that basketball players playing for our
country are pure pinoy, natural born in the Philippines not born in the US even they lost the game am proud.
August 10th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
I think we have the talent, but not the mental toughness and discipline of other teams. I see us acting all frantic in tight situations - at the SEA games and now at FIBA.
Also, there doesn’t seem to be a set offense. It seems that our players constantly have to create, without a solid plan on offense to rely on.
For us to get to the level of our Asian counterparts, we need to instill more discipline into our players, and possibly the coaching staff as well. At least, that’s how I feel. Puro nalang ‘next time’ ng ‘next time’ eh. Doesn’t seem to be any significant progress.
August 10th, 2007 at 10:13 am
I was deeply disappointed with the result of the FIBA asia tournament. But I guess it only stresses the point that we should try and develop in other sports where we have a greater chance. Let’s face it, we can’t compete when they have 7 footers playing basketball. I think its high time we pursue other sports.
To the RP cagers, thank you for all the sacrifices and the hard work you made. No need to feel sorry, at all!
August 10th, 2007 at 8:40 am
STOP HALLUCINATING BASKETBALL IS NOT FOR FILIPINOS!!!
August 10th, 2007 at 8:06 am
The recent games clarified several things for RP basketball:
1-) We have the best guards in Asia. No one could beat the pure talent of Alapag and Caguioa.
2-) We have no inside presence whatsoever. Taulava, bless his heart, was trying so hard. But the fact remained that he did not provide any offensive impact (not even with free throws), and this allowed defenders to camp outside and swarm our guards; on the defensive side, opponents were punishing us with tip-in rebounds and 3rd and 4th chance points. If I were the opponent this is how the RP team looked like: guards are all-Filipino, the big men anything but. It was a wonder how well they kept their faces straight.
3-) Ex-commissioner Ayala was more than misleading when he said we should be “proud” that we beat China twice. It was their “B” team we barely beat. We only gave their 22 year olds more experience they sorely need to overcome us convincingly in the future. We sent our pros, our best, and it was barely good enough.
4-) Our chances are better with 2 specific sports: soccer and baseball. Why? Because 20 years from now, our odds of creating world-class teams for those 2 sports are much brighter than producing seven footers.
Time for us to face the truth folks. Lest we wish our hearts to be broken more.
August 10th, 2007 at 7:25 am
why say sorry when we knew that u did all u can just to win? played without a care even if u got injured?
the team has done everything. win or lose, im behind the whole team, all the way.
we have a lot to learn, recruit tall players if possible. its disheartening to see our pba giants wrestle for the ball with players who are taller than them. we got much to learn. lets continue trying ’til we reach that elusive olympics. elusive but not impossible.
besides it would be nice to see danny seigle and dondon hontiveros donning an smb uniform again!
August 10th, 2007 at 7:00 am
I agree with the FIBA rules. It should help in developing better long range shooters which was one of the reasons of our success before, as well as better ball movement (which was how Greece (without any NBA player at that time) beat the US National Team last year(with Lebron, D Wade, etc…!).
August 10th, 2007 at 12:40 am
I strongly agree! It’s the official’s fault. The training should continue even with the suspension because I knew that it will be lifted soon. The Filipinos are basketball loving people. We will do all the hard works and sacrifices just to have that suspension lifted.
Anyway, there is still another time.
Ric Lomotos - Dunedin, Florida
August 9th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Big hand of applause to Team Pilipinas for giving it a good fight. Hope we’ll continue to join int’l competitions in the future
A loss is a motivation to strive harder, to look back on things that had been missed, Defeat opens a window for improvement.
“I salute you guys”
August 9th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
Basketball is not for Filipinos. We have to admit that.
August 9th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Basketball is not for Filipinos
August 9th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
probably mr. chot reyers is trying to psych the mind of the basketball fans in this country or just presenting the strategies or planned trail on how to get there (beijing). placing 9th is not in the sphere of luck the truth is we need more hardwork to get there.our players have the qualities at par with the rest of asia but we have to revive those days when we declare supremacy in this kind of sports. the days when the country make pride with players playing in world cup and olympics.
it actually extremely add to our national pride and it make me prouder to be a true blooded filipino when our country do best in international scene.
please lets patch this up… im waiting for this moment. to have the philippines played again in world cup and olympics… hope it is nearer than i can imagine
August 9th, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Eventhough that we as fans are a bit frustrated about the outcome of FIBA, we still support the RP Basketeers. What happend is, we expected a victory from them and what I think is, they’re a bit overconfident coming on this game (not tired). I think FIBA intentionally made the bracketing (because they knew how powerful the RP team is). Well better luck next time. I know we can still make it, with a lot of talents nowadays.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
I fail to understand why we filipinos are still fixated with basketball. We can’t seem to accept that the sport isn’t for us. I’ve given up on filipino basketball the day when the PBA players competed internationally & lost to China. I realized then that we are not the best in asia as we thought we were. Let’s give other sports a chance.
August 9th, 2007 at 11:15 am
bawi nalang next qualifying games..
August 9th, 2007 at 10:35 am
Maybe its time for the Philippines to develop athletes in other sports besides basketball. As a Football or soccer fanatic (depends on what country you are in), it saddens me that our governement focuses more on basketball and boxing. We are way behind in football quality compared to our ASEAN neighbors, most especially Thailand and Malaysia. We even don’t have a decent football stadium nor a football league. Rizal memorial? Give me a break. Ultra, if the stampede wasn’t a proof enough, I don’t know what is.
August 8th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Don’t say sorry. I blame our so called “sports officials”, politicians and sports pundits in whole fisaco. You went up against teams who are playing together for years. Despite the group stage loss, a 5-2 slate isn’t bad. Not bad for a team who’s been playing together in a short period of time and unaware of FIBA rules.
Maybe the PBA should be playing FIBA rules instead of an NBA copycat. Come to think of it, the NBA players themselves didn’t win in the past Olympics and the FIBA World Cup. Basketball after all is a teamsport, its not a game of fancy dribbling or slam dunks.
Just an advice. Next time don’t only work on your game and teamwork. Learn to play with very big HEARTS.
August 8th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
YES, I AGREE …THAT’S THE FAULT OF HIGHER OFFICIALS…LACK OF TIME AND EXPOSURE TO OPPONENTS WITH DIFFERENT NATIONALITY…PLAYING WITH FILIPINO ( IN OUR OWN COUNTRY )OPPONENT IS DIFFERENT IN PLAYING WITH OTHER NATIONALITY AND CARRYING THE HOPES OF MILLION SOF FILIPINO IS NOT EASY…IT CANT BE DONE WITH JUST A COUPLE OF MONTHS PREPARATION…CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PLAYERS AND COACHES…
August 8th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
We’ve lost because of ref officiating (IRAN GAME). If that was T was not been called, we might have won that game….
Good Job to our RP 5 players.
August 8th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
The Philippine squad needs to be congratulated for the efforts they have put in. And it shows that they are of a different class because they said sorry for a failure that is not of their own doing. Win or lose I am behind the squad, just as long as they show that they are in it to win it.
The problems of Philippine basketball looks deeper than player & manager issues. I think the whole basketball culture in our country is quickly receding into oblivion. We can pretty much say “Those were the days” when the Philippines ruled Asia in basketball.
But I’m not too worried about it. If the decline of basketball means the upsurge of football, then I’m quite happy for it to happen. Afterall, we really don’t have the height to play basketball to the fullest.