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U21 Press Release:
Pilipinas edges Romania, 94-81

Team Pilipinas snatched a key win in the final day of the elimination round, defeating Romania, 94-81. Erald Ruz led the Filipinos with 22 points and 7 boards. The win allowed Team Pilipinas to secure the last spot of the qualifiers before moving on the World Cup Final Pool, snuffing out Romania’s chances to advance.

Unofficial reports indicate the Romanian U21 Team does not want to return to Bucharest, in fear of facing the wrath of owners Bela, Cassandra, and Daniela Dimitrescu. Their mother, Alcina, is taking a hands off approach in running the team’s day to day operations. Lady Dimitrescu, once touted as the country's tallest player to ever grace the game, is said to be managing the family affairs in an undisclosed snowy village.

Advancing to the Final Pool means the Filipinos face an uphill battle in their succeeding matches, immediately facing the top two seeds of the tournament (Italy and Spain). “We hope to win at least two of our games, maybe that will be enough for us to advance in the semifinals,” Coach Jeorge said in via text message when asked for a comment.

U21 Update

We got smoked by a really solid team in Italy (World rank#1). We are now holding a 1-3 record in the World Cup final pool. The games don't get any easier with games against Spain (rank #2) and perennial Asian contenders China & Hong Kong coming up. Well, this is the WC's final pool, so no team is a push-over (including us, LOL!). Our boys are still ready to show up to compete on the world stage despite this humbling setback. Please keep the GS up for these big games coming up!

Pilipinas U21 Report:
Pilipinas narrowly lose to Spain, 83-75


Team Pilipinas showed a lot of heart against Spain, but trying to erase an 18-point lead entering the 4th quarter proved to be too much, losing the game 83-75.

In a battle of atrocious shooting, the team that goes to the line more has the better chance of winning. This is exactly what happened Monday night, when Spain shot 10 more free throws than the Philippines.

Interestingly enough, both squads did not do well in the foul line. “This game clearly shows we need to improve on our shooting. I am not sure how else we can improve, given we have two games left, and they are must win matches”, Coach Jeorge said after the game. “I really doubt we can make it to the next round, but we will push everything up to 11”.

The Philippines faces Hong Kong tomorrow, in a must win match.

U21 Press Release:
Team Pilipinas wins against Hong Kong, 98-76

It may be too little too late, but Team Pilipinas U21 snatched its first win in the World Cup Final Pool, beating Hong Kong, 98-76.

The Filipinos took advantage of its strong front court, severely outrebounding Hong Kong, 62-29. “We got our wish to play against the very best in the world. I am proud of what we did this season,” Coach Jorge said after the game.

With Team Pilipinas not making it to the next round, they are most likely going to finish the tournament in sixth place. All they need to do is to either win against China, or not get blown out.

Salamat coach! Saludo ako sa mga write-up mo.

Samantalahin ko na din ang pagkakataon para magpasalamat sa buong community. Masasabi kong naging maganda ang tinakbo ng programa natin. Bukod sa silver medal sa Asia ay nagqualify tayo ulit sa Worlds at nanggulat kahit papano, nakaabot pa nga tayo sa final rounds at nakakuha ng mga panalo sa Worlds. Masasabi ko na kung sa U21 lang ay mas kaya na natin makipagsabayan sa ibang bansa tlaga, hindi lang sa Asia. At ito ang pinaka maganda kong nakita naging maganda ang coordination sa pagitan ng U21 at NT. Unti unti natin makikita ang bunga nito sa mga susunod na produkto natin para sa NT. Sana mga ilang seasons pa ay kaya na din natin tlaga sumabay sa ibang bansa pagdating sa seniors.

Lubos din ang aking pasasalamat sa lahat ng managers ng mga naging NT players di lang lokal, pati international na trainers. May mga foreign trainers din na natuwa sa performance ng team at nangako ng suporta at muling tumutulong sa pag train ng mga pinoy na players. Lalong malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa mga trainers na nakausap ko ngunit hindi nakakuha ng slot ang mga player pero nagpatuloy pa din sa pagtrain at pakikipag coordinate ng progress at training plans, sigurado ko ilan sa kanila makikita natin sa NTs balang araw! Salamat sa paglagay sa kapakanan ng NT ng higit sa pansariling kapakanan, saludo ako sa dedikasyon nyo sa pagtrain ng trainees nyo! Special shoutout na din sa mga nag-PM naman na pinipilit iasok ang player nila at dun din sa mga nasa roster na wala naman ginawa kundi mangulit na i-start ang player nila kahit kapos naman sa skills. Saludo din ako sa tibay nyo! Hahaha!

Lastly, gusto kong magpasalamat kay coach morwood. Coach, thank you for taking the effort to make sure we bridge the 2 programs! Salamat din sa mga unofficial tagapayo ng team, wala naman opisyal na designasyon ngunit malaki ang naging tulong ng lahat sa bawat linggo ng strategy at sa pagbibigay ng mga simpleng opinyon. Alam nyo naman kung sino kayo di na kailangan isa isahin.

U21 Press Release
Pilipinas beats China, finishes 6th in the Final Pool.

Team Pilipinas got its second win in the World Cup Final Pool, beating China, 98-66.

Erald Ruz led the Filipino charge with 27 points, as China was limited to 29% field goal shooting. “Overall, we exceeded our expectations in this tournament. We beat France and Romania in the first round, and we got to get wins against Hong Kong and China in the Final Pool. Plus, we are now 6th in the World Rankings. I look forward to what happens next season”, Coach Jeorge said when asked to comment on how the team did this season.

With the season now concluded, Team Pilipinas is now looking forward to scout for talent next season. The future is bright.