MANILA - The Senate unanimously adopted yesterday a resolution commending the members, coaching staff and management of the Smart Gilas II-Philippine men team for winning the 34th William Jones Cup in Taipei , Taiwan last month.

Senate Resolution No. 127 was introduced by Senators Pia Cayetano, Antonio Trillanes IV, Lito Lapid and Aquilino Pimentel III.

According to the resolution, the valiant effort shown by the Philippine team in winning the William Jones Cup in Taiwan marks the resurgence of Philippine basketball and reclaims the country's stature as a dominant force in Asian basketball.

As such, the resolution said, the team deserves to be commended for exemplifying the Filipino best spirit in the field of sports.

For his part, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said the extraordinary skill shown by the Philippine national basketball team has done the country proud. Despite the pressure placed on them by their bigger and taller counterparts, Enrile said, the team refused to be intimidated and beaten.

“The Philippine team sealed the country's fourth championship win since 1998, after beating the powerhouse and crowd favorite USA Team, 76-75, and finished with seven wins against a lone setback in ruling one of the most popular cage events in the region,” Trillanes said in his sponsorship speech.

It was the Philippines ' fourth Jones Cup title. The Ron Jacobs-coached Northern Consolidated Cement first won the title in 1981 and regained the cup in 1998 through the Philippine Centennial team which was made up mostly of Philippine Basketball Association stars. San Miguel Beer was the other Philippine team that won the Jones Cup in 1985.

The resolution congratulated Coach Chot Reyes and members of the national basketball team, namely Enrico Villanueva (Barangay Ginebra), Gabe Norwood (Rain or Shine), Gary David (Powerade), Jeff Chan (Rain or Shine), LA Tenorio (Alaska), Larry Fonacier (Talk N Text), Mac Baracael (Alaska), Ranidel De Ocampo (Talk N Text), Sol Mercado (Meralco) and Sonny Thoss (Alaska); naturalized player Marcus Douthit, non-pros Fil-Am Matt Rosser and San Beda player Garvo Lanete.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manuel V. Pangilinan and Victorio Vargas, head of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines , were also mentioned in the resolution.

The Senate also commended Tenorio for winning the Most Valuable Player award.*PNA

back to top

MS Tablet beats Davies in BBTHS alumni tourney
USLS spikers rule Bro. Ceci Cup
Dragon vs. Rams in TBAC final
Senate commends Smart Gilas