By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE Philippine national youth team ended its campaign in the FIBA U18 Asian Championship at fourth place but nonetheless saw its quest to earn a spot in the U19 World Cup next year fulfilled.
After four straight victories all the way to the quarterfinals of the U18 tournament, Batang Gilas found the going tough in the semifinals and third-place game against Australia and China, respectively, to eventually settle for fourth.
Despite finishing outside of the podium, it was a spot still enough to see the Filipino lads in action for the World Cup in 2019.
The final game of Batang Gilas saw it getting paid back at by China, which it beat in group play, in the bronze medal game, 76-57, on Aug. 11.
It was a complete reversal of fortune for the two teams where the Chinese dominated from start to finish.
In their first encounter in Group B, the Philippines had China under control nearly throughout the contest en route to the 73-63 victory that earned for Batang Gilas an outright ticket to the quarterfinals.
The loss was in follow-up to the defeat Batang Gilas absorbed at the hands of eventual champion Australia, 77-43, in the semifinals on Aug. 10.
Apart from the team itself, other stakeholders lauded the spirited performance that the Philippine U18 team showed, seeing what they have done in Bangkok, Thailand, from Aug. 5 to 11 as more of the journey than the destination.
“Not the finish we wanted, but the mission was to qualify for the World Cup. A medal would’ve been special, but #MissionAccomplished nonetheless,” Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes wrote on his Twitter account.
Incidentally, Mr. Reyes is the father of Batang Gilas coach Josh, who prior to his team’s departure for Thailand vowed that his team will go all out and represent the Philippines well in trying to book a spot in the World Cup.
Another one who expressed his gratitude to the efforts of Batang Gilas was Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio, who underscored how the players tried their best.
“I’m very proud of the Batang Gilas for making it to the U19 World Cup to be held next year. We would have wanted to win the bronze, but we fell short. The boys tried their best,” Mr. Panlilio said.
Adding, “This is just the start of the journey for these young men as we prepare to be better for the upcoming U19 World Cup.”
In six games in the FIBA U18 Asia, Filipino-Nigerian AJ Edu showed the way for Batang Gilas with averages of 14.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game.
Kai Sotto had numbers of 12.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks while Sean Ildefonso was the third-leading scorer with 9.8 points.
Guard Dalph Panopio, meanwhile, had all-around numbers of 7.3 points, four rebounds, four assists and 1.3 steals per game.
The Philippines was the 10th best offensive team in the tournament with a 67.8-point-per-game average.
Finishing runner-up in the tournament was New Zealand, which is part of the four teams, along with Australia, China and the Philippines, earning spots in the FIBA U19 World Cup.

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