E-Gilas vies in Pacific tiff

MANILA, Philippines — E-Gilas Pilipinas, bannered by the Playbook Laus Esports (PLE) club, returns to virtual hardcourt action today against some of the finest Asian esports teams in the NBA2K20: The Pacific Pro-Am tournament.

Coming off a dominant showing in the FIBA Esports Open last June, the Nationals will tackle Taiwan’s The Answer, Hong Kong’s Secret Loves, Indonesia’s Take Over, Korea’s Promy, Singapore’s Team Tekong and Japan’s 2KJ.

Another Pinoy squad in Bad Boys will vie in the two-day joust backed by SMART, Philippine Esports Organization (PEsO) and Esports National Association of the Philippines (ESNAP). – John Bryan Ulanday

Up against stronger squads this time, the PLE-led Philippines remains confident of winning another international title behind the unwavering support of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

“I wouldn’t say our chances are very high but I’m confident that we can make it. We are well prepared for this,” said guard Rial Polog Jr. after the PLE ruled the NBA 2K Veterans League earlier this month.

“The SBP continues to support Philippine basketball, even the virtual kind, and we are enthusiastic about the possibilities The Pacific would bring in fostering greater ties between the Philippines and other countries,” added SBP president Al Panlilio.

Polog Jr. will be joined by Aljon Cruzin, Custer Galas, Philippe Herrero IV and Clark Banzon, the same cast that anchored E-Gilas to the Southeast Asian Conference title in the inaugural FIBA esports tournament with a massive 32.8-point margin.

Apart from the Asian title and the $10,000 (P500,000) grand prize, the Philippine squad looks to improve its chemistry in preparation for the bigger FIBA Esports tourney in October that is expected to gather more than 30 countries.

The two-day event will be streamed on GG Network and ONE Sports.