By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas boys team coach LA Tenorio and deputy Richard del Rosario didn’t mince words as they clapped back and defended their players from online vitriol following an early exit in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup in Mongolia.
The Nationals failed to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in history after getting the boot from a much-improved Bahrain squad, 66-79, in the qualification round.
In an Instagram post, Tenorio commended the sacrifice of his young players who tried to balance the preparations for the tournaments and their studies.
“The outcome wasn’t what we hoped for, but I want to acknowledge the incredible sacrifices and resilience these young boys have put in. Their dedication, hard work, teamwork, and sacrifices have been inspiring since day one. And with that I am so PROUD of these boys,” Tenorio.
“This loss doesn’t define us; it’s a stepping stone for greater things ahead. Let’s learn from this and continue to strive for excellence! Ipaglalaban ko kayo hanggang sa dulo! At hanggang sa huli lalaban tayo PARA SA BAYAN!,“ he added.
The same post, however, still garnered bad comments from bashers and critics – insinuations that Tenorio didn’t turn a blind eye on.
“To answer your question na demanding. Hindi po abot mga Fil-Ams because of the school schedule,“ wrote Tenorio in response to a comment questioning him for not putting Fil-foreign players in the lineup.
“At hindi po puro Magnolia inaatupag ko! Sana sinasamahan mo ako araw araw sa schedule ko para malaman mo paano ako magtrabaho ng dalawang beses sa isang araw di katulad mo walang inaatupag kung hindi mag cellphone,“ he added.
“Kung wala ka naman sasabihin mabuti tungkol sa mga bata tumahimik ka na lang! Di mo alam sakripisyo ginawa ng mga batang to! Tumahimik na lang! Para ka di Pilipino,“ Tenorio added in a separate comment.
Del Rosario, on the other hand, reminded everyone that the players are still kids after all and that the critics do not see the situation beyond what is seen from the games.
“Hindi lahat ng bagay napapanood sa TV or YouTube. Hindi nakikita ang sakripisyo ng mga bata tulad ng pag sakay ng angkas habang umuulan makapunta lang sa ensayo. Yung mag practice para sa school sa hapon tapos derecho ensayo para sa Pilipinas at makauwi ng hatinggabi,” said Del Rosario.
“Tandaan natin na 16 years old lang ang mga players. Lumaban sila para sa Bayan. NO EXCUSES, we lost. A lot of work needs to be done to get back up. Para sa mga genius, tignan niyo nalang ang comment ko sa inyo sa last picture. I LOVE BATANG GILAS!” he continued.
