Gilas Pilipinas heartened by Duterte’s presence in game versus France

Members of Gilas Pilipinas and Filipino basketball fans were visibly elated by the presence of President Rodrigo Duterte during their first game at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament at the MOA Arena on Tuesday night.

The full house chanted his name when he made his way into center court, where he raised his fist and drew louder cheers from the crowd.

"Sobrang saya kasi ibang pakiramdam 'yun na nakikita natin na sumusuporta agad 'yung presidente natin," said Gilas veteran Ranidel De Ocampo, one of the biggest supporters of Duterte in the PBA.

The big man was touched that Duterte watched the national team even before the stakes rose in the tournament, showing sincerity in his support for Gilas Pilipinas.

"Kasi 'yung nagdaang presidente, nanonood lang pag championship na, pag nanalo na. Pero ito, una pa lang, unang laro pa lang, nandyan na, sumuporta na agad e," he said.

In 2013, President Benigno Aquino III watched Gilas' game against Iran in the finals of the FIBA Asia Championship, after the team already punched the ticket to the FIBA World Cup.

Marc Pingris said Duterte's presence in the game against France was a huge inspiration for Gilas Pilipinas.

"Sobrang excited akong maglaro hindi na para sa sarili ko, para sa kanya e," he said with a grin. The forward is also one of the staunchest supporters of Duterte in the PBA.

"Happy ako e kahit paano 'yung time niya alam kong marami siyang ginagawa ngayon pero talagang dumalo siya at nanood," he said. "So nagpapasalamat tayo sa kanya.

During the campaign period, Duterte enjoyed an support from many PBA players and their families.

The nationals lost to France, 94-83. —NB, GMA News