FIBA WORLD CUP CHINA 2019: Duterte watched patiently as Gilas played Italy with grit, passion –Palace
President Rodrigo Duterte “patiently” watched Gilas Pilipinas’ opening match at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup which the Philippines lost to Italy 108-62, the Palace said in a Saturday statement.
“The Filipino players valiantly fought their taller, bigger, shiftier and sharp-shooting Italians, with their accurate three-point shots,” said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo.
.
–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –
However, while Gilas was outplayed and outscored, Panelo pointed out that the Filipinos displayed flashes of brilliance.
“It’s not always the winning that counts, it’s how the game is played,” said the President’s spokesperson. “Our Filipino players played with grit and passion. And for that, they deserve our admiration.”
Duterte earlier said that Gilas would likely end up losing in the tournament hosted by China, and claimed, “Ang problema ang unang kalaban natin Italy. Wala. Walang laban. Wala tayo diyan.”
“China na lang tayo magpusta. Wala. Ay sus. Pa-corny ka pa. Wala talaga tayo,” the President had added. — DVM, GMA News
–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –
.
Duterte meets Gilas Pilipinas before game vs. Italy
President Rodrigo Duterte visited the Gilas Pilipinas locker room moments before the national team’s debut in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Duterte is scheduled to watch Gilas’ opening game against Italy to open the competition in Foshan, China on Saturday.
.
–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –
Coach Allan Gregorio@CoachAllanGPRRD enters our dugout. #LABANPILIPINAS #FIBAWorldCup2019 #Puso
.
–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –
Coach Allan Gregorio@CoachAllanGOur No.1 supporter for the night. #CoachRG and #PRRD #LabanPilipinas #FIBAWorldCup2019
.
–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –
The chief executive previously courted controversy for comments downplaying the Philippines’ chances against the taller Italian squad.
But Gilas coach Yeng Guiao said the team was looking forward to Duterte’s support for the game, which is critical to the Philippines’ chances of advancing past the first round. —JST, GMA News
–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –
.
–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –
