Senate lauds Gilas II 34th Jones Cup feat

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate has passed a resolution commending the Smart Gilas national basketball team for winning the recently concluded William Jones Cup in Taiwan.

Sponsored by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, chairman of the Senate committee on amateur sports competitiveness, the resolution lauded Smart Gilas II for its valiant effort and for winning the tournament.

“The valiant effort shown by the Philippine team in securing the victory is seen as a meaningful and redeeming win as it marks the resurgence of Philippine basketball and reclaims the country’s stature as a dominant force in Asian basketball,” the resolution stated.

Smart Gilas II won the 34th William Jones Cup by defeating the United States team in the final game of the tournament last Aug. 26.

It was only the fourth time that the Philippines won the Jones Cup, the first being in 1981 by the Northern Consolidated Cement team, the San Miguel team from the Philippine Basketball Association in 1985 and the Philippine Centennial team, also composed of professional players in 1998.

Trillanes also commended the coaching staff and other officials of Smart Gilas II, led by head coach Chot Reyes.

A separate resolution was filed by Sen. Pia Cayetano congratulating and commending Smart Gilas II point guard LA Tenorio for being named the MVP in the Jones Cup.