SEVEN years ago Gilas Pilipinas and Australia clashed in the quarterfinals of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Literally.
In a game that broke into a full-blown melee, the two squads gave it their all as they chased one another on the court, involving not only players but coaches, too. According to press reports then, punches and kicks were exchanged, while water bottles and chairs flew.
When the dust settled, nine Gilas players and two coaches - Jong Uichico and Chot Reyes - were ejected, while four Australian players were likewise booted out.
As they meet again for the first time since that incident, both teams will surely have memories of that melee, but many of those involved are no longer playing for their national teams.
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Among the Gilas players ejected were RR Pogoy, who triggered the riot by shoving an Australian player, Calvin Abueva, Matthew Wright, Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, Troy Rosario, Japeth Aguilar, Andray Blatche and Carl Cruz.
For the Boomers, one member of that team is still part of the current squad.
Adam Caporn was one of the deputies for head coach Andrej Lemanis as they were tasked to handle the Australian team in the 2019 Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Fast forward to now and he’s the one calling the shots for the Boomers, as the team tries to maintain the country’s immaculate record with a third consecutive crown on the line.
As for the Philippines, the only players still on the squad are June Mar Fajardo, who was not ejected or suspended since he did not participate in the free-for-all, and Japeth Aguilar, while assistant coaches Jong Uichico and Josh Reyes are also still with the team in Jeddah.
Besides Fajardo, the only other Gilas members that escaped suspension were Gabe Norwood and Baser Amer.
Aguilar was banned for one game, while Uichico was handed a two-game ban for his actions against Chris Goulding.
Time heals all wounds, as they say, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and Basketball Australia have made strides in mending their relationship.
Though there's little chance there would be a repeat of that brawl when they meet on Wednesday, it doesn't mean they won't be giving it their all as they battle for a seat in the semifinals.
Incidentally, Australia won the game, 89-53.
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