Wednesday's 52-point demolition job against Singapore marked the Southeast Asian Games debut of nine Gilas Pilipinas players.
And none could be happier and more thrilled than guard Chris Ross, who waited over a decade to finally suit up for the Philippine basketball team.
'It's a great feeling, man," said the 6-foot-1 Fil-Am, who can't play as a local in FIBA tournament due to eligibility rules but meets the more relaxed requirements of the SEAG.
Ross admitted early jitters but overcame that as the national side buckled down to work in the swashbuckling 110-58 kickoff victory at a filled MOA Arena.
"I was nervous. I was nervous coming into the gym. I was nervous seeing my jersey hanging in the locker. And coming out, a lot of cheers from the fans that was really nice and I'm still nervous.
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"Good thing, coach Tim (Cone) put me on the first five and so I can get my nerves out. As soon as the ball goes us, it's all basketball," he said.
The San Miguel Beer star ended up scoreless in his 19-minute bow but gave Gilas a huge lift with his playmaking (10 assists) and rebounding (five) and more importantly his defensive skills. Ross' block on Singapore star Wei Long Wong in the opening seconds established the Filipinos' defensive stranglehold on their prey.
Bullstrong Vic Manuel likewise made the most of his maiden appearance for Gilas in an international 5-on-5 competition. The PBA's "Muscle Man" scattered 14 points and grabbed four boards in his 10-minute stint.
"Syempre, unang-una excited talaga akong maglaro kasi first game ko ito sa Gilas team, sa national team natin. Everytime na tawagin ni coach Tim name ko para maglaro, ready ako, talagang bibigay ko 100 percent para sa team," said the Alaska star, whose previous experience in an international scene was in FIBA 3x3.
Aside from Manuel and Ross, LA Tenorio, Greg Slaughter, Stanley Pringle, Marcio Lassiter, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright got their feet wet in SEAG play.
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Kiefer Ravena is the most experienced of the lot in terms of stint in the biennial meet, having been part of the last four SEAG champion teams, while Troy Rosario and Standhardinger reinforced the Gilas cadet crew that lorded it in 2017. (OL) / Photo: Freddie Dionisio (spin.ph)
