MANILA, Philippines - Win or lose, President Benigno Aquino III is expecting Gilas Pilipinas not to back down when it competes tomorrow at the FIBA World Cup in Spain.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo aired on Thursday, Aquino said the national cagers must show the unyielding character of Filipinos during the world championship.
"Magandang pagkakataon para ipakita 'yung talento ng Pilipino, 'yung ugali natin na hindi tayo pasukong tao," Aquino said.
"'Yung puso, 'yung ambisyon, at 'yung pagsusumikap tungo doon sa ambisyon na 'yon... Talagang pinagsumikapan natin at 'yon sana makita natin sa performance ng Gilas," he added.
The FIBA World Cup is set to kick off tomorrow with Gilas Pilipinas having its first game in the preliminary round against Croatia.
In this stage, the Philippines will also face 2004 Olympic gold medalist and currently ranked third Argentina, powerhouse Greece, Puerto Rico and Senegal.
The Philippines is returning to the world stage after 35 years of absence with a dramatic silver medal finish in the FIBA Asia qualifiers last year.
The national basketball team will be playing with naturalized Filipino and NBA player Andray Blatche. -Louis Bacani
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