Paul Lee, Gilas Takes Away Bronze Medal from China - 5th FIBA Asia Cup

Wow! Paul Lee showed why was added to the national team - Smart Gilas. His three pressure packed free throws brought the Philippines to a Bronze medal finish at the 5th FIBA ASIA Cup in Wuhan China.

Image from interaksyon.com

WOW!

I admit I have already conceded the third-place game to China. Me, of the weak heart.

China was leading by two points, with one of their guys about to take two free throws. I am sure like many of the old fanatics of asian basketball, we know the reputation of chinese basketball players when it comes to shooting and free throws. Perhaps, it was the pressure, but the guy missed both.

Good thing our players got hold of the rebound and push the ball upcourt. The ball ending up in Paul Dalistan Lee's hand. When it comes to "angas" in basketball, Lee has made a name for it. He was trying to shoot a 3-pointer. But there was a chinese player in front of him. Then, comes Lee's basketball presence of mind - fishing, and getting, a foul while trying to shoot at the 3-point line.

And then his "angas" took center stage for the whole Asia to see. As I remember, he was one for two in his previous trip to the foul line.

Amidst the boos and the heckling of the supporters of the host country, he sinked the first free throw. Then the second one came swishing to the net. Finally, breaking China and its supporters' heart by making the last one.

China might have felt what we, Filipinos, felt in the asian games against South Korea. When Olsen Racela could have made it a 4 point lead with his usually reliable free throw shooting. As it turned out, SoKor made a three to snatch away the win from us.

The win is indeed a great consolation after the beating our team suffered in the hands of the mighty Iran team. The way Gilas won the bronze speaks volume of their battlecry, our battlecry - PUSO!

Paul Lee's addition simply means we got another player with the heart to win.

Congrats team Gilas, for not giving up. For coming behind against China and bring us something to cheer about.

Thank you Team Gilas, my appreciation had me ressurecting this blog.