TOM Vodanovich reintroduced himself to Gilas Pilipinas and the millions of basketball loving Filipinos on Thursday night.
The 30-year-old forward proved to be the thorn on the national team’s side as he came up with clutch baskets that almost spoiled Gilas’ 93-89 win over the Tall Blacks in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers before a capacity crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.
READ: Gilas ends long drought vs New Zealand with gutsy home win
Vodanovich, who had a double stint as import of Converge under former coach Aldin Ayo, finished with 19 points behind a 7-of-12 shooting from the field including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc.
His last basket from three point range had the Tall Blacks threatening for the last time at 91-89 in the final 20 seconds before Justine Brownlee secured the Philippines’ first win against New Zealand in the last eight years with two insurance free throws.
New Zealand coach Judd Flavel had some nice words to the 30-year-old Vodanovich, who had been with the Tall Blacks since 2018.
“Tommy, that’s what he does. He's a competitor, he loves the physical challenge,” said Flavel. “What he provides us is obviously great floor spacing with shooting ability.
"Two teams, two different styles of play tonight and so, while they were (Gilas) battling us on the inside, we were trying to stretch the floor and, you know, Tom, that's what he really provides this team. And he is one that's always up for the challenge."
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