Sad, but true, the Olympic dreams of Team Pilipinas have ended with an 84-76 defeat at the hands of Jordan.

They put up a really good fight, and in the middle of the third quarter we as supporters began to entertain thoughts that  "maybe next time" we can go that one step further.

But it really hurt to see them losing because their build-up had gone really well considering that they had just emerged from a two-year ban which prevented them playing in major competitions. They did well to prepare in time for the FIBA Asian Championships, and although the dream was shattered we saw enough to realise that Team Pilipinas (the nickname of the Philippines national team) is back in business.

'The important thing is that Pilipinas Basketball is up and running again, and even two years ago that didn't seem possible as we were in the wilderness'


But to make true progress, I think the country must have its own RP training pool and encourage as many players as possible, at least at high school level, to be trained to participate in any FIBA-sanctioned youth basketball tournaments. And when the time comes they might be able to progress to the men's basketball team playing in international tournaments and exhibition games against higher ranked countries, like the Americans and Europeans.

But the important thing is that Pilipinas Basketball is up and running again, and even two years ago that didn't seem possible as we were in the wilderness. The Philippines was suspended by the International Basketball Federation in July, 2005, after a long-standing feud between the Philippines Olympic Committee and the BAP.

But after a lot of political wrangllng, Team Pilipinas was reinstated this year, and for that we have to thank a  number of people and organisations like BAP-SBP led by Manny V. Pangilinan, president, and Patrick Gregorio, chief executive, and Commisioner Noli Eala of the PBA for lending the players to the national pool.

Special praise also for the coaching staff led by coach Chot Reyes, who initiated a tremendous programme of making the players adjust to the international style of play. And of course, we wouldn't be anywhere without the sponsorship of the San Miguel Corporation and Nike Philippines.

Then there's the sixth member of the team - you, the fans, fellow countrymen at home and abroad who support and pray for the team right to the very end.

I also want to thank Sportingo for giving me the freedom to express my thoughts and opinions about basketball. I hope it influences more basketball minds to write on this website.