Ukrainian post-game talk gives Gilas fresh perspective on facing adversity

Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes believes the game of basketball offers life lessons that goes beyond the confines of the four corners of the hardcourt.

No wonder, shortly after Gilas subdued the Ukraine under-20 team, 84-74 for the second straight night in their rematch Sunday night, Reyes asked one of the Ukrainian players to give a short, but inspirational talk on the members of the Philippine team.

Gilas Pilipinas FIBA PHOTO 

“I thought it was important for us to get a perspective from somebody from another team, most especially against a team that is going through extreme adversity because we all know what’s going on in Ukraine at the moment,” Reyes told One Sports’ Carlo Pamintuan.

The Gilas mentor said with the team’s European training camp now stretching to over a week, players are starting to miss their family, wife and kids, are feeling the aches and pains of practicing twice-a-day, as well as the grind of traveling and cold weather.

Yet, Reyes believes hearing the story and commitment of the Ukrainians to play for flag and country amid the ongoing fierce fighting between Ukraine and Russia, give the Gilas players a greater appreciation of what they enjoy.

“It was important for them (Gilas players) to gain (lessons), (because a) very important part of coping with adversity has got to do with having a greater appreciation of what you have,” said the 59-year-old Reyes.

“To hear it first hand from Leo what they are going through, to hear it from someone first hand, all the sacrifices, I think it’s important,” he added.

Gilas has gone 2-2 in its first four tuneup matches. The Filipinos dropped their first two games against Estonia and Finland in Tallin, before traveling late last week to Kaunas, Lithuania for the continuation of its training camp in Europe.