Marc Pingris reminisces Gilas Pilipinas' 2013 win against South Korea

Longtime national team member Marc Pingris remembers Gilas Pilipinas' historic win against South Korea at the semi-finals of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship held in Manila.

The 2013 Gilas Pilipinas squad that competed at the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship headed by Coach Chot Reyes. Source: ballerspinas.com

With the win, Gilas Pilipinas advanced to the finals and booked a spot at the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain, the first time in 40 years.

“'THE CURSE' was broken and 'PUSO' was born!!!” the sportsman who became known as 'Pinoy Sakuragi' wrote in the caption of his Instagram post.

“Mabuhay po ang Pilipino!!! Miss you, mga teammates!”

The 2013 Gilas Pilipinas team were bannered by Jimmy Alapag, LA Tenorio, Jeff Chan, Jayson Castro, Gary David, and Ranidel de Ocampo.

Also included in the historic team were Gabe Norwood, Marcus Douthit, Larry Fonacier, June Mar Fajardo, and Japeth Aguilar.

The Gilas Pilipinas went on to finish the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup with a 1-4 win-loss record at 21st spot out of 24 teams.