BLACKWATER rookie Dalph Panopio relished the chance to be part of the Gilas Pilipinas team that retained the men’s basketball gold in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and at the same time, learned and play with the best.
The Fil-Italian guard said there’s no greater feeling than representing the country in an international meet and eventually achieving the goal the team set out to do.
“Very grateful (for the opportunity). Ang goal talaga namin ay ang gold and talagang pinag-trabahuhan namin yun,” said Panopio.
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The team truly had to go through the wringer in all of the four games it played, trailing the opposition each time in the first half, including against host Thailand in the gold medal match.
Still, Gilas always found a way to fight back and emerged victorious, including a 70-64 win over the Thais.
“Grabe napaaga 'yung Christmas namin,” said Panopio. “But you know, wearing the jersey, you don’t do it for the name on the back, you play talaga para sa Pilipinas, what’s in front of the jersey, for the country, and representing all the people here.”
A late addition to the team of coach Norman Black, Panopio served as primary back-up to Robert Bolick at the point, and considered sharing the playmaking chores with the NLEX star player as a great opportunity.
“I’m with Robert, Matthew Wright, Abu. Ray Parks. so many great players na tutulong sa akin to develop not just as a player but also as a person,” he said. “Kahit sa practice lang, malaking experience, malaking improvement. Talagang makakatulong sa laro ko.”
It was the second time Panopio played for flag and country, although this was the first time he suited up for the men’s team.
And for the chance to don the national colors again, the former Batang Gilas member has three important persons to thank for, namely Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy, coach Jeff Cariaso, and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ Ryan Gregorio.
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