Qatar’s Hayes impressed by Norwood’s defense

MANILA, Philippines – Qatar’s naturalized player Jarvis Hayes only had praises for Gilas Pilipinas after losing to the host team, 70-80, in the second round of the 27th FIBA Asia Championships at the MOA Arena Tuesday night.

"It was a tough game. They came out with a lot of energy. The crowd was behind them. They played well and tonight they came out on top," said Hayes.

The Georgia product commended Gilas Pilipinas as a solid team that plays well together. But he singled Marcus Douthit and Gabe Norwood for their impressive showing.

"I think the whole team is good. Individually they have some great guys, Marcus in the paint is good while (Gabe) Norwood on the wing is a pretty good defender," said the 6'6 Hayes.

"He (Norwood) plays tough and he was always in front of me and I think he did a good job," he added.

Norwood, the primary defensive stopper of Gilas, came up with a couple of defensive gems in the fourth quarter at the height of Qatar's rally.

Hayes, the former 10th overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, scattered a quiet 17 points in Qatar's first loss in the tournament.

Nevertheless, the naturalized player remains upbeat.

"Despite the loss, I think we still got a great chance. It is only our first loss but we put ourselves in great position after a great start," said Hayes, whose team faces a streaking Chinese Taipei squad at 3pm Wednesday.

“We got to take care of business," he added.

The well-traveled Hayes also commended the support of the raucous crowd in the MOA Arena that supported Gilas Pilipinas Tuesday night.

"The crowd plays a difference. Anytime you have the home crowd behind you, it gives you the extra energy and boost and it showed tonight," said Hayes.

A first-time Philippine visitor, the former NBA player for the Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons and then New Jersey Nets is impressed with the Filipinos’ passion for basketball.

"It's my first time here and I love the Philippines. The country has been very nice and good to me. It's a beautiful place and their enthusiasm and passion for the game is really wonderful," he said.