Filipino crowd one of the best

MANILA, Philippines - The Kazakhstan coach said he’s never experienced anything like it.

He was referring to the crowd that has packed the Mall of Asia Arena each time Gilas Pilipinas is on the court.

Tonight, coach Matteo Boniciolli and his players from Kazakhstan will once again experience how it is playing the Filipinos before a hometown crowd.

Kazakhstan played the Philippines in a tune-up match a couple of weeks ago. But it was just a tune-up, a friendly and nothing was at stake.

Tonight, they fight for survival in the 27th FIBA-Asia Championship.

“It’s a great chance to play against the greatest crowd I’ve ever seen,” said the Kazakhstan coach who hails from Italy.

He’s aware that the Kazakhs will enter the game as the underdogs against Gilas and its close to 20,000 fans that include politicians and celebrities.

Vice President Jejomar Binay has dropped in a couple of times as well as Sen. JV Ejercito, Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella, Bacolod Rep. Bing Leonardia and basketball legend Robert Jaworski.

On the showbiz side, often spotted at ringside are Aga Muhlach, Edu Manzano and Vic Sotto.

In the game against Hong Kong the other night, Sotto, father-in-law of Gilas player Mark Pingris, caught the ball as it went out of bounds, and held it up like he was going for the basket.

The very famous comedian tossed the ball back to the court. Action resumed and LA Tenorio completed a three-point play. Then the crowd cheered on, “Bos-sing! Bos-sing!”

It’s the type of crowd that has left some of the visitors in awe.

“It’s clear that we are the complete underdog. The Philippines is a great team with great fans,” said Boniciolli.

Or is he just playing underdog?