Crack E-Gilas bets confident of good showing in FIBA event

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine national NBA2K team looks forward to serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration in its coming campaign in the FIBA E-Sports Open 2020.

The first Filipino players to vie in international tournament in the COVID-19 period, the E-Gilas Pilipinas bets beam with confidence they can produce proud moment in the inaugural FIBA E-Sports slated June 12-21.

“Napakalaking bagay po ito. It’s a great honor to represent our country and I’m sure na buong Pilipinas nakasuporta lalo’t ito ang magiging kauna-unahan na international tournament sa gitna ng pandemic,” two-time NBA2K Asia champion Rial “Rial” Polog Jr. told The STAR.

“Sana maging inspirasyon po ito sa ating mga Pinoy. Sa kabila ng lahat ng krisis na kinakaharap natin ngayon ay kaya natin magtagumpay. Tuloy ang buhay at laban. Gagawin po namin lahat para manalo. ‘Di po namin kayo bibiguin.”

The dazzling shooting guard Rial, who reigned supreme in the NBA2K16 and NBA 2K19 Asian championships, is joined by Rocky Braña (C/PF), Clark Banzon (PF), Al Timajo (C/PF), Aljon Cruzin (PG), Philippe Alcaraz IV (C) and Custer Galas (SF) in the seven-man roster announced by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

With Alcaraz and Galas also being former Asian 2K champions, the Philippine squad members boast a daunting 99 overall NBA2K rating, making them among the top favorites in the 17-nation tourney.

“Our chances against the best national teams are huge. We’re very confident that we will dominate them based on our experience and chemistry as a team. We can beat any team,” said Polog.

“We have a good chance since height won’t be a factor here. Pantay lahat. Doblehin o triplehin lang sa practice especially as we’re playing for our country,” said Braña.