"Never say die."
These were the words imparted by Robert Jaworski, Philippine basketball's "Living Legend," who surprised the Gilas Pilipinas team when the former senator dropped by at the team's practice facility last Monday.
"Just do your best, never say die, because it is possible," said Jaworski who was a member of the Philippine team that won the Asian Championship in 1973 when it was held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
"When we build that camaraderie and animo, then we can look forward to playing in the (World Championship) again," he said. "Just believe in yourselves, enjoy the game and get rid of that pressure."
Jaworski's words obviously resonated with the players. After all, it was his legacy of never giving up that lives to this day in Ginebra San Miguel and its die-hard followers.
The Philippine team opens up against Saudi Arabia at the start of the championship tomorrow.
"Obviously a huge honor for all of us to have Senator Jaworski," said Gilas Pilipinas point guard Jimmy Alapag, who will be playing in his third Asian Championship. "He was the captain for the last team to win the FIBA-Asia, so his words meant a lot to all of us."
Jaworski, 67, told the players not to squander their chance.
"It's a great opportunity to be together and I could see a light of hope in winning the championship," he said.
"I've been following what your group is doing. I tell you that I believe you," said Jaworski, a former senator who is now 67 years old.
Ranidel de Ocampo said: "That means he trusts us like he trusts himself in playing basketball and we must trust ourselves."
"Very uplifting to hear those words from such an accomplished basketball player and icon of Philippine sports," said Gabe Norwood.
LA Tenorio added: "It lifts our moral. Personally, I have high respect on him, kaya ako lahat ng sinabi ni Senator samin, I'll make sure that in my mind, in my heart, I'll try my best to do everything na magawa ang lahat ng advise n'ya sa amin."
credits to source
