Why? Because in 1985, the Philippines beat Italy twice. Somehow, the Italians never lived the twin losses down. Allan Caidic, an assistant in coach Joseph Uichico’s staff, played in both games and recalled how totally embarrassed the Italians were. First was San Miguel Philippines’ 98-79 romp over Banco Di Roma at the World Clubs Championships in Spain. Caidic’s pal Samboy Lim erupted for 30 points in shaming Italy’s National Basketball Association (NBA) imports Leo Rautins and Leroy Combs. Next came the Filipinos’ 96-75 win over Italy at the Jones Cup in Taipei. Caidic shot 28 points and Hector Calma 19 to repulse the Italians whose players included imports Stan Mayhew and Jim Grady. Ron Jacobs was then the Philippines’ coach.
The first meeting between the Philippines and Italy was at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The Filipinos opened an 18-8 lead at the half and cruised to a 32-14 victory. Among the Filipinos who played that year were Ambrosio Padilla, Charlie Borck, and Jacinto Ciria Cruz. The Filipinos wound up fifth in the tournament and Italy, seventh.
Next came the 1968 Mexico Olympics where Recalcati scored 12 points as Italy felled the Philippines, 91-66. The Filipinos led, 39-34, at the turn but collapsed down the stretch. The national cagers included Robert Jaworski and Jimmy Mariano.
The third confrontation was at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Italy made it two in a row, 101-81. Dino Meneghin, now the national team director, banged in 23 points. Jun Papa led the losers with 19 points. Italy finished fourth, duplicating its ranking at the 1970 World Championships in Yugoslavia.
At the 1978 World Championships in Manila, Italy beat the Philippines twice — first, a 114-96 win in a pre-tournament exhibition and second, a 112-75 decision in regular competition. Italy took fourth place after losing to Brazil by a point in overtime on a midcourt buzzer-beater from Marcel DeSouza.
In 1979, Italy once more defeated the Philippines, 88-71, at the 12-nation World Junior Championships in Brazil. Italy ended up sixth and the Philippines, 10th.
In 1980, Italy reached the pinnacle of its basketball history by claiming the silver medal at the Moscow Olympics. It won the European title in 1999 and landed a strong fifth at the Sydney Olympics two years ago.
Only two native Italians have played in the NBA-Enzo Esposito for Toronto and Stefano Rusconi for Phoenix, both in 1995-96. Four were drafted by NBA clubs — Meneghin (Atlanta, 1970), Augusto Binelli (Atlanta, 1986), Roberto Marandoti (Atlanta, 1987) and Rusconi (Cleveland, 1990).
The national squad that crushed the Philippines last Sunday was formed only two weeks ago and secluded in a secret camp at Chiavenna to prepare for the three-day Selecta RP-Euro Basketball Challenge in Sondrio starting tonight. There’s a lot to be learned from the Italians, that’s for sure.