Mavs’ Barea recalls playing vs Gilas

MANILA, Philippines – J.J. Barea of the Dallas Mavericks was one of the villains in Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain, but the diminutive guard had nothing but praises for the Philippine national team.

Speaking to NBA.com Philippines’ Rex Alba, the diminutive guard and star of the Puerto Rican national basketball team recalled playing against the Philippines.

“They have some good players, small players like me, the point guards, so I’d like to go there someday,” said the six-foot Barea.

Puerto Rico, the FIBA Americas runner-up, defeated the Philippines, 77-73, during that fateful night last September 3. Barea himself exploded for 30 points, including 10 in the last four minutes of play to help give his team the victory.

“It was a good game though. It was fun, it was an intense game. I was lucky to have a good game and we were fortunate enough to get the win,” he added.

Barea also believes that it will just be a matter of time before a Filipino can barge into the NBA scene.

“No question, the way basketball is going over there, someday there will be one,” he said.

The Puerto Rico native hopes to visit the Philippines one day and even proclaimed himself as a fan of Manny Pacquiao.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about your country and I plan to visit there one day. I’m a Pacquiao fan and I love boxing,” he continued.