With the results and backlash against the performance of the Philippine basketball team Gilas Pilipinas for this year’s FIBA World Cup, basketball player Chris Tiu expressed his sentiments as a former Gilas member.
On August 30, Tiu shared a long message for Gilas fans, Filipinos, and the Gilas Pilipinas team itself after the results of the prior tournaments of the recently held FIBA World Cup.
In the said statement, the former Gilas player shared how he felt the same emotions as the present players of the Philippine team after seeing the results of their game in the tournament.
“As a former member of Gilas Pilipinas, I can still clearly remember the feeling of pain and disappointment after coming home from a major tournament without a medal and letting our country down. It’s a terrible feeling that’s hard to get over,” Tiu said.
Now that he is part of the audience and not a player anymore, Tiu disclosed that he is now seeing a wider perspective of emotions on the court, including happiness and sadness during the game. “I love cheering for our country and want to see us succeed, but I also feel the heartbreak, disappointment, and frustration of coming so close to getting a W and thinking we know what could have been done better,” he said.
Noting the results of the previous games, Tiu encouraged Filipinos to not lose hope and still show support for the Gilas Pilipinas team, considering their hard work and dedication to winning for the country.
“At this moment, I hope we can continue to support our team, as that is what we can do and what they need from us. I hope we can be proud of each member who sacrificed and took on the bold task of representing our country in battle on our home soil despite knowing that the odds were never in our favor,” he said.
Tiu also empowered the Gilas Pilipinas team, saying that the team is not that far behind and that players can still recover and will still be able to raise the flag of the Philippines, whatever happens.
Ending his statement, Tiu penned a congratulatory message to the Gilas team for not stopping to fight despite the challenges they have faced.
“Congratulations and thank you to the entire Gilas team! We know what’s in your heart and will fight til the end! And congrats as well to the SBP, all the organizers, and the Philippines for a wonderful hosting of the FIBA World Cup. Looking forward to continuing cheering on our team and watching great quality basketball games!” he said.
Chris Tiu was a former basketball player who started to soar in his career by participating in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines. Noting his outstanding performance, Tiu became part of the Gilas Pilipinas team and competed in the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship.
Photo credit:
https://www.instagram.com/chris_tiu17/
https://www.instagram.com/chris_tiu17/
