Jorge lauds Spain-bound Gilas squad

 MANILA, Philippines - BEST founder Nic Jorge, who was the last Filipino to have coached a national team in the world basketball championship, hopes the Gilas team of Chot Reyes may take a win or two in the tournament come Aug. 2014.

He was at the courtside almost the entire Gilas’ successful run in the 27th FIBA-Asia Championship, rewarding the country a ticket to the 17th FIBA World Cup in Spain next year.

“We’d long waited for this. I’m so happy we’re finally making a return appearance in the world championship,” said Jorge, the man at the helm of the last Phl team to compete in the world meet in 1978 in Manila.

“Gilas Pilipinas achieved a big feat compared to us who, as host team, were seeded in the world championship,” Jorge pointed out.

At Jorge’s disposal then were Alex Clarino, Steve Watson, Edward Merced, Padim Israel, Mon Cruz, Bokyo Launchengco, Cesar Teodoro, Joy Carpio, Nathaniel Castillo, Gregorio Gozum, Pol Herrera and Cesar Yabut.

They were the last to play in a world meet.

Eight years later, the NCC Philippine team of coach Ron Jacobs would qualify for the 1986 World Championship in Spain, but would yield their spot due to the political upheaval back home.

Cruz, Watson and Carpio led the Phl team with averages of 16.8, 11.2 and 10.4 points, respectively, in the Manila meet where Yugoslavia nailed the crown on an 82-81 thriller of a win over Soviet Union.

The Filipinos were seeded to the semifinal round but failed to win a single game, bowing to Yugoslavia, 101-117; Soviet Union, 63-110; Brazil, 72-119; Italy, 75-112; Australia, 52-97; Canada, 88-99; and the USA, 70-100.

In the fight for seventh place, Australia repeated over the Phl team, 92-74. 

“We could’ve been stronger but the BAP (Basketball Association of the Philippines) then formed a more competitive team for the junior championship,” said Jorge.

“Rey Lazaro, Bai Cristobal and Yoyoy Villamin were among those who played for the Phl junior team of coach Turo Valenzona,” Jorge recalled.

Jorge said Gilas Pilipinas must continue training and try to put up competitive showing in the Spain world conclave.

“We must not go there just to enjoy being in the world championship. Let’s put up a fight,” he said.

He’s hopeful Gilas Pilipinas can win a game or two.

As Gilas Pilipinas plays in the Spain meet beginning Aug. 30, 2014, Jorge eventually sheds the tag the last Filipino coach to do coaching battle in the world championship.