These Gilas players can do more than just play basketball.
To say that that Gilas Pilipinas and Gilas Pilipinas Women were pushed to their limits in the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games would be a massive understatement.
Between the torturous playing conditions to practically every team looking to beat the Philippines in basketball, both national teams had to dig deep to bring hoops glory back to local shores. And it was by and large mission accomplished, with Gilas reclaiming gold in dramatic fashion and Gilas Women copping silver in a highly competitive field.
So, it is safe to say both teams earned a post-SEA Games celebratory party—and it was rightfully given them on Wednesday night, hours after Gilas outlasted former tormentor and host Cambodia for the gold medal.
It was well-deserved, indeed, and the players certainly let loose, singing and dancing the night away in one big, fun-filled group bonding that included players, coaches, and staff.
Among the night’s highlights was Justin Brownlee and Jack Animam proving their sweet, smooth moves don’t just belong on the basketball court but also on the dance floor. In fact, they looked like a pair who'd do well in dancesport.
The two star players—for a few, fleeting seconds at least—danced together to the tune of “Sumayaw, Sumunod,” originally popularized by VST and Company in the 1970s. Animam, who made her SEA Games return after recovering from an ACL injury, took the lead and Brownlee gamely followed—after some prodding from the what seemed like the entire Gilas contingent.
And, like he has done so many times on the basketball court, Brownlee came through once more, matching Animam step for step, much to the delight of everyone in the dinner party.
Take a look:
After a hellish two weeks, it was just great too see the Gilas players letting loose and having fun. They earned it.