Jaworski lauds Gilas for spirit

SEVILLE, Spain – The text message came from Manila and the leader of the Philippine squad that participated at the 1974 FIBA World Championships, now known as the World Cup, in Puerto Rico sent yesterday an inspiring note to the Gilas team battling in this year’s edition of the global tournament at the Palacio Municipal de Deportes here.

Robert Jaworski, 68, averaged 14.3 points in seven games for the Philippines at the 1974 conclave. His teammates were Jimmy Mariano, Joy Cleofas, Tembong Melencio, Francis Arnaiz, Abet Guidaben, Ramon Fernandez, Bogs Adornado, Yoyong Martirez, Manny Paner, Dave Regullano and Big Boy Reynoso with Tito Eduque as coach. The Philippines finished 13th of 14 with a 2-5 record, the only wins a 101-100 decision over Australia and an 87-86 squeaker over the Central African Republic. One of the losses was a 111-90 setback to Argentina.

“I believe the overall team’s performance even at this stage is admirable and commendable and could go better,” said Jaworski, who played on two Philippine FIBA Asia championship teams in 1967 and 1973, in a text message. “Our countrymen are all in positive mode and spirit and more importantly, the sport-loving Filipinos pray for the team’s success.”

 The Big J complimented the TV5 network for the passion and efficient effort in reportage, “allowing those back home to enjoy and appreciate the challenges of competing for our country all in the spirit of goodwill among the brotherhood of nations.”

Jaworski paid tribute to Gilas guard Jayson Castro who bungled a play late in the Argentina game the other day and threw away the opportunity to tie or take the lead for the Philippines. Gilas wound up losing, 85-81. Castro went up for a jumper from beyond the arc and as 6-7 defender Marcos Mata elevated, hesitated then dropped the ball, picked it up and was called for travelling.

“My main purpose (in texting) is indeed to cheer on and hope for the best for our team which is already happening in many different aspects,” continued Jaworski. “Beyond that, I wanted to convey some unsolicited words to Jayson who exudes and carries out that much needed and desired commitment to achieve, as in never say never. He need not be anxious or troubled any bit about that last minute incident in the Argentina game. It happens to the best. He is not alone and that is now past. Let the incident fuel his inspiration to give more because he knows he prepared for the task and keep in mind that he can help by looking forward to the next game with the same animo and composure he showed in all his games.”

Jaworski said if only he could, he would’ve flown here to cheer for Gilas. “I can imagine the excitement and collective pride our fellow Filipinos are experiencing (in Spain), watching the FIBA games live,” he went on. “How I wish I were there to cheer on and rally the team, just like everyone back home.”

Gilas head coach Chot Reyes received the text from Jaworski and expressed appreciation in the team’s behalf. “We miss his visits to our practice like before,” said Reyes. “I forwarded his text to Jayson.”

The Philippines is playing in its fifth FIBA World Cup and first since hosting the event in 1978. The best finish by any Asian country in the tournament is third which the Philippines posted in Rio de Janeiro in 1954.

Gilas’ near-win over Argentina has sent shock waves around the basketball world, considering the Philippines is ranked No. 34 by FIBA and Argentina No. 3. Four Argentine players were on the team that took the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics – Luis Scola, Leo Gutierrez, Walter Hermann and Andres Nocioni. In Athens, Argentina upset the US, 89-81, with the American roster listing LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson and Stephon Marbury, in the semifinals and went on to beat Italy, 84-69, for the gold.

 Argentina is bannered by four NBA veterans (Scola, Nocioni, Hermann and Pablo Prigioni), five players standing at least 6-9, five players 24 years old and under and five players 34 years old and over. Scola, 34, was the San Antonio Spurs second round pick in the 2002 NBA draft and made his NBA debut with the Houston Rockets in 2007-08. He is signed to a $4.9 Million salary with the Indiana Pacers this coming season. Prigioni, 37, has a $1.6 Million contract with the New York Knicks this season. Hermann, 35, has played for Charlotte and Detroit and will suit up in Brazil this season while Nocioni, 34, will join guard Facundo Campazzo with Real Madrid in the Spanish league.

Gilas’ loss was marked by two highlight dunks by Gabe Norwood, one that posterized Scola. Ranidel de Ocampo scored 18 points, Jimmy Alapag 15, Andray Blatche 14 and Castro 11. Coach Chot Reyes said he couldn’t ask more from Blatche who compiled 15 rebounds and four turnovers. Blatche logged only 24:10 minutes, less than Castro, De Ocampo and Norwood, because of early foul trouble. “No problem with Dray’s turnovers,” said Reyes. “He gave us 15 rebounds and big points. You expect those four turnovers because he handles the ball a lot so that’s not a concern.”

A concern was Marc Pingris’ right Achilles heel which was heavily packed with ice after the game. Pingris came off the bench and was scoreless although he delivered five rebounds and an assist. He admitted playing hurt with the pain shooting up his leg from the strain in his Achilles heel. Pingris played quality minutes in the games against Croatia and Greece, battling opponents who were taller and heavier under the boards and holding his own despite the size handicap.