2025-11-17 12:00
I remember watching that crucial game against Perpetual last season, and let me tell you, something special happened during that third quarter turnaround. When Mark Gojo Cruz sank those back-to-back triples that sparked an 18-point downpour, it wasn't just another basketball moment—it was symbolic of how Philippine basketball has learned to weather storms and come back stronger. Having followed the national team's journey for over fifteen years, I've witnessed firsthand how this resilience has become embedded in the team's DNA, transforming them from regional contenders into a global basketball force that commands respect.
The transformation really began in 2013 when Gilas Pilipinas made their dramatic return to the FIBA World Cup after a 36-year absence. I was in Madrid covering that tournament, and despite finishing 21st out of 24 teams, what struck me was the undeniable fighting spirit. They lost all five games, but the margins were telling—just 5 points against Croatia, 4 against Argentina, and that heartbreaking 1-point overtime loss to Puerto Rico. These weren't blowouts; they were statements. The team was learning how to compete at the highest level, much like how Perpetual had to learn to fight back from what seemed like certain defeat. That 18-point third quarter explosion didn't happen by accident—it came from players who believed they could reverse the momentum, just as Gilas has learned to do on the international stage.
What many casual observers miss is how strategic this rise has been. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas implemented a masterplan back in 2007 that involved sending players overseas, hiring international coaches, and developing youth programs. The numbers speak for themselves—basketball participation rates among Filipino youth have increased by approximately 47% since 2010, and we've seen Filipino players landing spots in leagues across Australia, Japan, and even Europe. I've had the privilege of interviewing several of these players, and their dedication to improving their game overseas before returning to strengthen the national team reminds me of how Mark Gojo Cruz must have spent countless hours perfecting that three-point shot that turned the game around.
The 2023 FIBA World Cup was particularly revealing. Hosting the event here in the Philippines created an electric atmosphere that I haven't experienced since the 1978 championship. We sold out arenas with an average attendance of 12,387 spectators per game—the highest of any host nation that year. And the team delivered, winning against China and nearly upsetting the Dominican Republic in that epic game where Jordan Clarkson dropped 34 points. That victory against China wasn't just another win; it was our first World Cup victory since 1978, breaking a 45-year drought. The emotional release in that stadium was palpable—fans were crying, strangers were hugging, and for a moment, the entire nation felt united by basketball.
What excites me most about Philippine basketball's future is the pipeline of talent developing. The NCAA and UAAP are producing increasingly sophisticated players who understand the international game. I've watched college games where the level of play would have been unimaginable a decade ago—faster pace, better shooting, and more strategic coaching. Players like Kai Sotto, though still developing, represent a new generation of Filipinos who can compete physically with international opponents. At 7'3", he's the tallest player we've ever produced, and his development in the NBA G League and Australian NBL shows how our approach to player development has evolved beyond traditional pathways.
The economic impact can't be overlooked either. Basketball-related industries have grown by an estimated 28% in the past five years, with sports infrastructure investments reaching approximately $340 million since 2015. New training facilities, better coaching education programs, and increased corporate sponsorship have created a sustainable ecosystem. I've noticed how local businesses near major arenas thrive on game days, and how basketball apparel has become everyday fashion for Filipino youth. This isn't just about sports anymore—it's about national identity and economic development.
Looking ahead, I'm particularly optimistic about our chances in the upcoming 2027 FIBA Asia Cup. The core group of players has gained invaluable experience, and the integration of Filipino-foreign players has added dimensions to our game that we previously lacked. The way I see it, Philippine basketball is following a trajectory similar to European powerhouses like Spain or Serbia—countries that built their programs methodically over decades before becoming consistent medal contenders. We're not there yet, but the foundation is stronger than ever.
That third quarter comeback by Perpetual, sparked by Mark Gojo Cruz's triples, serves as a perfect metaphor for where Philippine basketball is today. We've learned how to fight back when things look bleak, how to capitalize on momentum shifts, and most importantly, we've developed the belief that we belong on the world stage. The journey continues, but having witnessed this transformation up close, I can confidently say that the golden age of Philippine basketball isn't coming—it's already here, and it's only going to get brighter. The next time someone questions Philippine basketball, just remember that 18-point third quarter and how quickly fortunes can change when you have heart, strategy, and the unwavering support of an entire nation behind you.
