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The Philippine National Basketball Team also known as Smart Gilas seeks International respect from the basketball world. Smart Gilas went head-to-head against the Smart All-Star Team composed of mainly NBA Superstars like Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose last July 24, 2011 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
It was an exhibition game of epic proportions, a once in a lifetime opportunity to test the skill level of Philippine basketball. Some critics predicted the game to be a blowout, to be nothing but a casual game for the NBA Superstars. Smart Gilas begged to differ. They went all out against the American players, treating the game seriously, like there was something more than just playing against the NBA players.
Gilas wanted respect; they were fighting for Philippine pride and international recognition. They wanted to prove that Filipinos can play basketball at a high level.
Throughout the game I saw focus and determination in the faces of the National Team. I saw passion for the game of basketball; they proved to be unfazed against the gigantic names in modern basketball.
The score was 98-89 in favor of the Smart All-Star Team. Handshakes and smiles were shared between the NBA players and Smart Gilas after the game. A sense of accomplishment and joy filled the Coliseum.
“I love the Philippines; Gilas played great and were aggressive, I’m happy to have played with them,” Chris Paul of the NBA selection team said in an interview after the game.
I think after that night Smart Gilas did get the respect they wanted and they did not get it from just any other team or player; they got it from Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Derrick Fisher, JaVale McGee, James Harden, Tyreke Evans, Derrick Williams and the millions who watched the game. # by James Faustino
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