(PBA image)
The Philippine Basketball Association rolled out the red carpet for Gilas Pilipinas, honoring the national squad that battled through adversity to successfully defend the country’s men’s basketball crown at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok.
The tribute took center stage at halftime of the Philippine Cup quarterfinal clash between TNT and Magnolia at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the gold medalists received a standing ovation from fans inside the Big Dome.
Leading the delegation was head coach Norman Black, who steered a hastily assembled but resolute lineup to an unbeaten run in the regional meet. Joining him on the court were players Robert Bolick, Thirdy Ravena, Von Pessumal, Jamie Malonzo, Abu Tratter, Veejay Pre, Justin Chua, and Poy Erram.
Also part of the championship roster but unable to attend were Dalph Panopio, Matthew Wright, Ray Parks Jr., Cedric Manzano, and Allen Liwag.
The recognition was led by Philippine Basketball Association Board chairman Ricky Vargas, alongside commissioner Willie Marcial and Magnolia team governor Jason Webb, who formally congratulated the squad at center court.
Black was backed by a seasoned coaching and support group that included assistant coaches Sandy Arespacochaga, Bacon Austria, and Andre Santos.
The management team featured Yvette Ruiz, Jonvic Remulla, and assistant team manager Ryan Gregorio, while Sandro Soriano handled video coordination. Diego Lozano served as trainer, Greg Razon as physical therapist, with Rolly Arguelles and JM Manlasa completing the team staff.
On the hardwood, Gilas delivered a flawless four-game sweep capped by a gritty 70–64 victory over host Thailand in the gold medal showdown—an emphatic statement forged under pressure. The triumph was made more remarkable by the circumstances, as Black and his staff were forced to reshuffle the roster repeatedly amid last-minute eligibility rule changes imposed by the host nation.
The latest gold marked the Philippines’ 20th men’s basketball title at the SEA Games since debuting in the regional competition in 1977, reinforcing the country’s long-standing dominance in the sport.
Marcial noted that the league plans to extend similar honors to other Filipino medalists from the biennial meet in upcoming games of Season 50.
Overall, the Philippine contingent wrapped up the Games with 50 golds, 73 silvers, and 154 bronzes, finishing sixth in the general medal standings—a campaign highlighted by Gilas Pilipinas’ familiar place atop the regional basketball podium.
