Fernandez: Crowd support was key

THE Philippine men’ s basketball team finally exorcised the ghost of a bitter past, advancing to the final round of the Fiba Asia Championship behind an emotionally-charged 86-79 conquering of perennial tormentor South Korea last night.

As brilliant as how the Filipinos played, the Nationals could have not done it without their main weapon — the so-called sixth man — the Filipino fans.

“That’s what the homecourt advantage is all about. The crowd support lifts the players’ adrenaline several notches higher,” said basketball legend Ramon Fernandez, a member of the Philippine team that won the Asian Basketball Confederation tournament in Manila in 1973.

“I’m very, very happy with what the team achieved,” the Cebu-based Fernandez, one of only two players to win four PBA MVP awards, told CDN. “ (Marcus) Douthit was hurt but the players never backed down from the challenge. (Marc) Pingris did a good job when Douthit was taken out of the game,” added Fernandez.

Fernandez said he never doubted that the Philippines would reach this far.

“I already had high hopes after the drawing of lots,” said Fernandez, who was on hand during the drawing of lots where Gilas picked Group A.

“When we picked Group A, it gave us a chance of of avoiding Korea or China in the early rounds. But China got lost in the picture after crucial losses in the early round,” said Fernandez.

Gilas’ strong showing in the tournament has definitely put the country in the world of basketball map. But competing in the World Championships is an entirely different.

And even Fernandez isn’t that optimistic of Gilas’ chances in the tough tournament.

“Magbakasyon na lang sila sa Spain. Enjoy na lang sila dito,” said Fernandez, laughing. “With players like June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar and Douthit, we can compete in the Fiba Asia. But overcoming size disadvantage will be very difficult in the World Championships.”