MISSING PARIS. NATS' SIGHTS NOW ON '28 LA

Gilas Pilipinas got its trial by fire against elite teams from Europe and South America in pursuit of a coveted Paris Olympics berth and came up short.

- OLMIN LEYBA

But this only strengthened the Pinoy dribblers’ resolve to continue the fight and get it right in four years’ time in Los Angeles.

“Hopefully, we can make it to the Olympics. It wasn’t this year but there’s always a next time that we can give it another go,” Gilas guard Chris Newsome said in an interview on One Sports. “But again, we got so much work to be done and so much to improve on to get there.”

Despite missing the target in the Riga Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Gilas inspired the nation with its stand.

“It was a great fight, Gilas Pilipinas! You have made us Filipinos proud and made history!” said President Marcos in a post on X.

“We will always stand behind you in support. Bida ang bayaning manlalaro!” Marcos also said.