Don't forget to 'enjoy' basketball Jaworski tells Gilas

Despite the pressure of playing as the host team with expectations of landing a FIBA Basketball World Cup berth, Philippine basketball legend Robert Jaworski Sr. reminded the members of the Gilas national team to also 'enjoy' the sport, Monday.

Jaworski, one of the PBA 25 Greatest Players of All Time, stopped by the Gilas practice Monday at Moro Lorenzo Gym, and told reporters afterwards that "The beauty of this group is that they've been sort of seasoned with different brands of basketball.

"You've got the physical, the speed, the playing in other parts of the world, and that's what you need."

The local basketball icon was part of the 1973 Philippine team that took home gold in the 1973 FIBA Asia Championship over South Korea.

Thank you, Sen Jaworski, for coming to practice to inspire our players with your words - 'enjoy the privilege & have fun' #GilasPilipinas

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) July 29, 2013

Gilas national team head coach Chot Reyes thanked Jaworski for his time and the inspiration on Twitter.

Last Friday, Caloy Loyzaga, of the Philippine squad that finished third in the 1954 World Championship, also met with the team, prior to their tune-up game against Kazakhstan.

The 2013 FIBA Asia Championship begins on Thursday at the MOA Arena.  - AMD, GMA News