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Robert Jaworski returns to the PBA, shares his thoughts on Gilas Pilipinas

Living legend Robert Jaworski interviewed by the media before Game 6 of the semifinals series between Ginebra and San Mig Super Coffee (Czeasar Dancel/NPPA Images)

With Ginebra’s back against the wall, a familiar face walked into the Smart-Araneta Coliseum that pumped up the Barangay.

Living Legend Sonny Jaworski walked straight into the media room as he entered the coliseum but instead of talking about Game 6 of the series between Ginebra and San Mig Super Coffee, Jaworski opened up about the upcoming FIBA World Cup.

After saying that the team that will pour its heart out on the floor will win Game 6, Jaworski quickly shifted his attention.

“O, Spain naman,” he said. “Excited ka ba dun, pare?” he asked Barry Pascua, the President of the PBA Press Corps.

Jaworski was asked if he was going to Spain to support Gilas Pilipinas. His answer caught the room off guard, disarming his listeners like only he can.

“Gusto ko sanang sumama pero wala ako sa kundisyon,” Jaworski joked. The people burst into laughter. They knew he was kidding but they also knew that if he could, he would play in a heartbeat. And just like that the room was his again; the people were his again, smiling and nodding as he talked, taking his words as gospel truth; just like old times.

“To represent the country in the international basketball arena is the best thing that could even happen to a basketball player. Considering that there are so many who want to be a part of it,” Jaworski said. The legend then went philosophical with his thoughts.

“Let’s face it. Ano ba excitement sa mundo ngayon? Giyera,” he said. “Let’s go for one of the oldest entities that has survived time which is the Olympic movement. Yun ang maganda. Mag-qualify tayo at pumasok tayo sa Olympics.”

Bracketed with strong teams in Group B in the FIBA World Cup in Spain, Gilas Pilipinas have an extremely tough task in front of them. However, Jaworski isn’t at all worried.

“It’s tough but I always say, I would rather play against a good team and show my best and try and win than play against a joker team and lose.

Asked about the idea that the Philippines should just concentrate on the Asian Games instead of the FIBA World Cup, Jawoski was quick to dismiss the notion. He said that Gilas owes it to the Filipino people to do the best they can against the best basketball teams in the world.

“But considering that in the Southeast Asian Games we were number seven (overall), winning the gold medal in basketball will be a big achievement as well,” Jaworski added.

He went on to explain how the Philippines could perform much better internationally using China as an example.

“China has been good for years because they’ve worked for a good number of years earlier and they had a team that was put together probably as far back as eight to 12 years. Iba yun e,” he said. “What is important is truly working together,” he added calling for unity in support of the Gilas Pilipinas.

Jaworski ended by sharing his thoughts on what makes a successful international stint.

“You have to be prepared because you’re facing elbows as big as your knee,” Jaworski joked again. “The most important thing is support from the public.”

From a player who was fueled by cheers from Barangay Ginebra for most of his career, Jaworski sure knows what he’s talking about.