When boredom strikes
Sixteen years since the first time he represented the Philippine men’s basketball team in the Asian Games, Asi Taulava has not changed when it comes to the schedule of competitions in the quadrennial meet’s cage event.
“It’s still the same. It’s like you’re coming in first and coming out last,” Taulava told BusinessWorld. “I’m prepared for it so boredom won’t hit me.”
Now the oldest player at 45, Taulava will be appearing in his third Asian Games and it’s not surprising he’s coming in prepared to get over homesickness.
“I just kept myself occupied. I watched the videos, joining in the scouting, reading scouting reports, doing workout. I just have to find things to do,” added Taulava.
Paul Lee, the starting off-guard of the squad, doesn’t see it much of a problem.
“Back home, my usual routine has always been practice and home or game and home. I’m the type of guy who’s more of a homebody,” added Lee. “So after practice, I just stay in the room and take a rest if we don’t have anything to do.”
James Yap, who had a return trip to the national squad nine years since he last played for the Philippine squad also coached by Yeng Guiao, would use his phone most of the time to offset boredom.
“I would open Facetime to give time to the fans. I would do a video call to talk to my baby,” added Yap.
Apart from facing China, Korea, Iran and other powerhouse teams in the region, dealing with homesickness is just one of the challenges the Rain or Shine-Pilipinas squad has to deal with.
Guiao is no exception to that. He, too, experienced homesickness which is why he asked his family to fly in to Jakarta and have them checked in at a separate hotel.
“I’m experiencing that as well. Our stay here has been long. It’s different from competing in FIBA Asia or Jones Cup where games are played everyday,” added Guiao. “But on the other hand, it’s like a challenge for all of us, a challenge for our mental toughness.”
Today the Philippine squad will be facing South Korea in a must-win situation in the quarterfinal round. A win against their long time nemesis will put the Filipinos in the medal round against Iran.
But while most of the members are missing their families, no one wants to go home yet this early. They want to finish the tournament with a medal wrapped around their neck.
Whether it’s gold, silver or bronze, this socalled “token team” doesn’t want to return home empty handed.
They’re pouring everything they got nearing the home stretch in the tournament.
From scratch, this squad has earned admiration of Filipinos back home and hopefully, a heroes welcome will be given to them soon.