The Nationals crashed into the Final Four but bowed to the mighty Jordanians, 61-75. They appeared headed for a breakthrough third place finish but cracked in the face of the sharp-shooting South Koreans’ fourth quarter surge, dropping a heartbreaking 68-70 setback in their bronze medal duel in 26th edition of the biennial event in Wuhan, China.
But it was no small feat for the Nationals, who made quite an impression with a team built around former collegiate superstars and beefed up by Marcus Douthit, a 6-10 naturalized player, and pros Kelly Williams, Jimmy Alapag and Ranidel de Ocampo of Talk N’ Text and Asi Taulava of Meralco.
In fact, the fourth place effort prompted Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan to announce that he is extending the cage program for the 2014 FIBA World Championship.
The Wuhan finish also proved that the Filipinos have the talent and skills to match up with the best teams in the region, including China, Jordan, Iran, Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipei and Lebanon.
However, all but team captain Chris Tiu have joined the pro ranks, including JV Casio, Chris Lutz, Marcio Lassiter, Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Dylan Ababou and Jason Ballesteros although experts believe there are enough talents available in the collegiate ranks, who could be tapped for Smart Gilas II squad.
source by Philippine Star
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