President’s Hall, Malacañan Palace
30 August 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulated the members of the SMART-Gilas Basketball team for bringing home the title after they championed the recently concluded 2012 William Jones Cup held in Taipei.

In their meeting, President Aquino updated the players of the economic gains the Philippines acquired amidst the global economic meltdown. He also mentioned several government programs that they are pushing to improve conditions in the country.

The Philippine men’s basketball team, armed with 14 players, won the title with a 7-1 record and a 76-75 win over the United States men’s national basketball team during the tournament finals. The tournament was held in Taipei Physical Education College Gymnasium from August 18-26, 2012.

Lewis Alfred V. Tenorio, better known as L.A. Tenorio of Alaska Aces in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), was hailed the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after he bagged 20 points and led the most important rebound of the game against the US basketball team.

The SMART-Gilas will head to Tokyo, Japan on September 12 for the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup to be held from September 14-22. They will face the China basketball team for its opening match.

Presently, the Philippine basketball team holds four Jones Cup championships in the years 1981, 1985, 1998 and 2012.

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