Incentives await Gilas members

Gilas Pilipinas team manager Alfrancis Chua said incentives await members of the men’s basketball team following their gold-medal feat in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

Chua said the incentives will come from San Miguel Corp.’s big boss Ramon S. Ang and the MVP Group headed by Manny V. Pangilinan.

“They didn’t get anything extra just to play in Asian Games, as in wala. Now, if you’re gonna ask kung may matatanggap sila ngayon, of course [meron] gold eh,” Chua said during a press briefing at the PBA office on Monday.

“Boss RSA and sir MVP, nag joint yung dalawa, nag usap kami, they’re gonna give something for the players,” he added.

Chua lauded the sacrifices and dedication of the Gilas crew, disclosing that he didn’t hear any financial demands from any of the members of the squad when he contacted them for the regional event.

“Yung lahat ng players na iyon, yung 16, tinawagan ko sila isa-isa. Ni isang player dun walang nagtanong sakin ng ‘Magkano bayad samin? Magkano allowance?’” Chua

“Walang hinihingi, ni singko wala, kaya bilib na bilib ako. We’re so proud of these players. Even (Justin) Brownlee and (Angge) Kouame, wala silang hiningi. They just want to win,” he added.

PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas also lauded the effort and dedication of the Gilas members.

“Iba yung team na ito. This team was one. They’re not the best on paper, you might criticize us by not getting the best on paper but they’re the best team in Asia,” Vargas said.

Led by coach Tim Cone, the Nationals ended a 61-year gold-medal drought in the Asiad by prevailing over Jordan, 70-60, in the final match.

Prior to their ascend to the throne, Gilas prevailed over tough teams like Iran and China.

— Mark Rey Montejo