MANILA, Philippines – While many Filipino basketball fans blame the referees for Gilas Pilipinas' loss to China in the finals of the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, Bballbreakdown’s Coach Nick analyzed the game that led the host team to the crown and the lone ticket to 2016 Rio Olympics that came with it.
The YouTube channel that is dedicated to basketball fundamentals explained how Gilas' offense and defense were neutralized by the “bigger and better athletes” of China.
Coach Nick scrutinized the zone defense of the Philippines and exploited the disadvantage of the play when the opposing squad is much taller and quicker.
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He also pointed out some of the non-calls by the referees for Gilas while also stressing that China was also a victim in some plays.
“The bottom line is without the proper discipline and underlying fundamentals being played on both offense and defense, you ain't gonna win the game with when the team is better,” coach Nick said.
“Let's face it, China had much bigger and better athletes and they (Gilas) had to play a lot better as a team to overcome that,” he added.
Most Filipinos felt that the national team was cheated, from the scheduling of the games, the uncharged electronic bus supposed to take the team to the venue, unavailable tickets for the assistant coaches to the bad officiating.
In the end, Gilas settled for another silver medal finish in two consecutive seasons.
Despite the loss, Philippines has still a chance to make it to the Olympics via the wildcard games scheduled next year.