DAVAO CITY — Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Sec. Lawrence Christopher ‘Bong” Go sees a possible podium finish for Team Philippines in the men’s basketball competition of the 18th Asian Games being held in Jakarta.

The Philippine Team’s 96-59 over Kazakhstan, according to Go, is an indication of the Gilas Pilipinas’ fighting heart despite the squad’s late assembly following the melee between the Philippines and Australia in the second window of the Fiba World Cup early July in Bulacan.

Go helped convince the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to send a basketball team despite the eventual dissolution of the Gilas squad following the Fiba-imposed fines and suspensions on 10 of its players who have figured in the brawl.

Go also talked to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to ensure the availability of the Rain of Shine squad which it tapped to replace Talk ‘Text, from which the suspended players came, in the Asiad.

Go said the Nationals, now being dubbed as the ‘Gilastopainters’ did not have the luxury of time to prepare for the quadrennial meet but they proved ready to compete in the international stage.

“It was formed late, but the secret weapon of the Philippines is its heart,” Go said. “Most likely, our team will make it to the quarter-finals. The team is very pumped up and has high morale because of their win over the taller players of Kazakhstan.”

Go said he is confident the Philippine team will put up a good fight especially with the addition of National Basketball Association (NBA) player Jordan Clarkson.

With the Philippine team set to face the Chinese team on 21 August, Go said he believes the Filipino basketball players can still pull some surprises.