The Quarterfinals: Gary’s and Japeth’s breakout game

I posted earlier that these 2 players have taken the heat: Jap because of his career prior to FIBA Asia and David because he has been struggling in the tournament. I have made it a point to encourage the players when I see them. First I met Jason at the hotel, then the rest of the team at the arena: Jimmy, Marcus, Gabe, Larry and then Garry and Japeth - just high-fives and "let’s go". I then had talked to Coach Tab Baldwin and asked if the team is ready. He said they have to be. Talked to the Physio Dex and asked if everyone is in good form: Marcus? Del? Ok naman raw. They entered the arena at halftime of the Chinese Taipei – China game, and Taipei was pulling away.  Another positive sign that this could be Gilas' time. You could also see that, in contrast to the Hong Kong game, the players were focused and had their game faces on.

We started the game strong build a double digit in the 1^st quarter. David came out hot, three consecutive 3’s. I have almost forgotten how good a scorer this guy was. While we were making our shots, I knew that for us to win this game, our defense had to be solid consistent. We will begin to miss shots and Kazakhstan will definitely make a run, which they did. Then this is when Japeth’s energy and defense really came useful. Not only did he alter points inside, but he closed out on their tall shooters. In one play he blocked an open outside shot, saved the ball from going out, then ran down for a wicked slam . A Lebron-like play.  Japeth's presence relieved Douthit (who was obviously limping) from having to come back in to gave him the rest needed for tomorrow’s semis game.

When the final buzzer sounded ending the game, the team huddled in midcourt, and for the 1^st time most of the players ran into our end of courtside (where family and friends were seating). Sitting in 1^st row, I was engulfed in a mad rush of people. I congratulated each player with high fives, pats, etc. Gabe, Japeth, Ping and Marcus, one by one.  This is what we all worked for from day one - to get into the semis.

The players then entered the locker room. I then talked to Larry’s wife about the sacrifices he made to get to this point.  The players came out one after another to meet their families (with cheers from the crowd). Jimmy then reminded us that it’s still one more win away (short of saying let’s not celebrate yet). At this time, the Korea and Qatar game was underway with Korea pulling away.  We will play the winner of this game in the semis. I looked across the court and saw Coaches Tab and Norman busy at work, scouting the Koreans for tomorrow.  Then I realized that we haven’t done anything yet. It’s still all business, no relaxing, no time for celebration. We still need our game faces on!