Let heart, pride reign in Spain

MANILA, Philippines - It’s a long journey from regional limbo to the stage of the very elite in world hoopsdom, 36 years of futile campaign to be with the best, an excruciating search to be part of the quest for basketball’s Holy Grail.

Not anymore. Gilas Pilipinas has found its place among the world’s finest. It ended 36 years of aches and heartbreaks after a gutsy display of unwavering will and desire to triumph before a roaring home crowd 11 days in August last year.

Now ranged against the world’s best, the Filipinos are expected to dig deeper into their reservoir of pride and spirit and brandish their fighting heart. They hope to hold their own in the ultimate test for the sport dear to the nation.

They’re ready for the pain in Spain, the dread of Madrid and the reveille in Seville.

It’s on to the World Cup.