Despite entering the 2025 SEA Games as the favorites to win the gold medal, there seemed to be a million reasons as to why Gilas Pilipinas was to be denied. 

From the flip-flopping by Thailand on player eligibility to questionable calls throughout the competition, it felt like it was the Philippines against the rest of Southeast Asia. That being said, it would have made the excuses that tend to hound Gilas much more palatable or even understandable. A short timeline to prepare coupled with having to acclimate various players depending on whether or not they will be allowed to suit up in the 2025 SEA Games was difficult even with Gilas Pilipinas’ dominance in SEA Games competition. 

When it was all said and done, this group did not break and only added to the lore of the Philippines’ inevitability in Southeast Asian basketball. 

Gilas’ 2025 SEA Games roster was a collection of PBA stars, unsigned players previously from overseas, and college players added for depth. Aside from Jamie Malonzo, Robert Bolick, and Ray Parks Jr., none would have been shortlisted if there were no scheduling conflicts with the PBA and professional commitments from players overseas. But that may have only lit a fire with this group. 

The roster Gilas Pilipinas ended up having was a blend of players out to prove their worth and those that were familiar with head coach Norman Black’s system. Familiarity did help negate the concerns surrounding the lack of preparation time, but it was also the special skills each player brought to the table that helped turn challenges into opportunities. The likes of Bolick, Parks Jr., and Matthew Wright provided the shooting that helped the Philippines rally and snuff out any of their opponents’ runs. Malonzo, Dalph Panopio, and Thirdy Ravena provided the versatility Gilas needed depending on the matchups. Abu Tratter, Justin Chua, Poy Erram, and Cedric Manzano were pivotal in the battle in the trenches. 

Their combined efforts came to fruition in the finals with Thailand, as this year’s hosts pulled out all the stops in the hopes of getting their first gold medal in Men’s 5×5 Basketball. Every member of Gilas Pilipinas chipped in, and their collective efforts offset the questionable calls, bigger opponents, and even the runs the Thais went on early in the game. 

This gold medal is up there with the Philippines’ conquest of Cambodia, although their opponents included those beyond the court. Moreover, this isn’t even Gilas’ B- nor C-squad. This was a group put together because of forces beyond Gilas Pilipinas’ control and although some of these players may never suit up for the Philippines in the near term, they do deserve to be part of the program in some capacity. Despite the different personnel, there remains some continuity and this iteration of Gilas sent a message not just to their opponents, but their peers as well: Do the work and forget the excuses because the results will follow.