A disappointing conclusion
Morseu on Philippines and the wild brawl
BASKETBALL: As the basketball world comes to grips with the sickening events of Monday night, long-time Boomer Danny Morseu gave his take on the fierce altercation that had the world talking. The Toowoomba Mountaineers coach is familiar with playing in the basketball-mad country of the Philippines, having represented Australia at the 1978 World Championships in Manilla. Morseu (inset) said security was high as a result of the tragedies of the 1972 Munich Olympics, but remembers the passion of the fans in attendance. “I remember this vividly, going to Manila for the World Championships, we were escorted from the airport to the motel by very high security with the police and the military,” he said. “Going for training sessions and games, we would have a couple of police cars and military personnel at the front and back of the bus. “I can recall walking in, and around the courts was very high security. “The Filipino community
love their basketball and it’s a national sport.
“The community itself and the players are very passionate about basketball.”
Monday night’s fixture featured one of the worst brawls seen on a basketball court, as Filipino players and officials attacked Boomers players.
This tournament marks Australia’s first involvement in World Cup qualification in Asia, and Morseu believes this has led to a change in how teams approach games.
“I was somewhat disappointed but not surprised by the Filipino team,” he said.
“The types of game now you’ll find from the opposition teams who want to qualify are going to be quite aggressive.
“I think that was the case in the Philippines. Some of the boys got fed up with being pushed around and knocked down.”
With the Philippines down by 31 on their home court, Morseu said it was a disappointing outcome.
“I think it was the wrong stand and certainly wasn’t great for the game of basketball,” he said.
“It’s quite disappointing to see what has actually happened where the whole of the Philippines bench came off and had a go at five of the players on the court.
“I felt embarrassed for the people to get involved in that sort of crazy behaviour, it was uncalled for.
“Especially when there was nine of them onto two or three players on the floor. It was just ridiculous.
“At the end of the day our players were more disciplined and more focused on getting the outcomes they wanted.
“It’s going to be a call now for FIBA to do something about it. Obviously there is going to be some action taken against the Filipino players and those that participated in the incident.”
Photo: Contributed