MANILA, Philippines – The PBA honored members of Philippine national team during the opening ceremony of its 41st season Wednesday, October 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
(IN PHOTOS: Alyssa Valdez, Mika Reyes headline PBA muses)
Head coach Tab Baldwin and all 12 members of the Gilas 3.0 squad that brought home the silver medal in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship were called to centercourt for a moment of tribute.
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Reserve Gary David was urged by his Gilas teammates Ranidel De Ocampo and Asi Taulava to join them as well. (READ: SBP officially submits letter of intent for FIBA OQT hosting)
Fans applauded the team for their sacrifice and gallant stand the last few months in a bid to bring the Philippines to the Olympics for the first time since 1972.
(IN PHOTOS: Alyssa Valdez, Mika Reyes headline PBA muses)
Gilas failed to win the gold and the accompanying Olympics berth but will instead try to go through the backdoor in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. (READ: PBA names Olympic Qualifier player pool, pledges full support)
– Rappler.com