The next time the country needs a hooper to fight for the flag, you can count on him to show up.
When everyone else was skipping this tour of duty for the national team for various reasons, Chris Ross showed up.
Ross could heave easily refused the invitation, but here he was, donning the Gilas Pilipinas jersey anew in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.
“It’s the country, man. Para sa bayan,” said Ross after the Philippines reclaimed the gold medal in men’s basketball on Tuesday with an 80-69 win over host Cambodia.
“I told coach Chot [Reyes] whenever he needs me, I’ll be there, whether it’s leading the team or helping coach, or as practice player, whatever.”
Named captain of what was dubbed as Gilas' own version of the “Redeem Team,” the San Miguel Beermen ace bared he even postponed a knee surgery.
“I could have been at home, on vacation, I might have to have surgery on my knee, I delayed that all for the country,” said the Gilas playmaker, who addressed the team's doubters after the gold medal match at the Morodok Techo National Stadium.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play and help push the country forward, and whenever I get the opportunity to do it, I’m there.”
Ineligible to play as a local in FIBA tournaments, Ross now has two gold mints in the biennial meet. He was also part of the Gilas squad that blew out one team after another in the Manila edition in 2019.
The next time the country needs a loyal soldier to fight for the flag, you can count on Ross to show up.
(With reports from Carlo Pamintuan, One Sports)
(GM)