Capturing the 19th Asian Games men's basketball medal took a lot of commitment from the Philippine men's basketball players to end a 61-year gold medal drought.

Gilas Pilipinas team manager Alfrancis Chua said in a press conference at the Philippine Basketball Association office in Quezon City that the Filipino cagers' eagerness and determination to suit up for the national team played a role in their success.

Also in attendance during the press conference were PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, PBA chairman Ricky Vargas and PBA vice chairman Bobby Rosales.

"Not one of the players selected asked how much they will be getting in return. These are PBA players but they made the sacrifice to play for the country," said Gilas team manager Alfrancis Chua.

"The players really wanted to play and didn't ask for anything in return. We're so proud of these players that even (naturalized players Justin) Brownlee and (Ange) Kouame didn't even ask for anything in return."

"They just wanted to win," he added.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas had to make the most of the players available for this year's Asian Games as the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee denied the Philippines' appeal to include Calvin Abueva, Jason Perkins, Terrence Romeo and Mo Tautuaa.

Instead of backing down, the Philippines marched on and under the guidance of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel mentor Tim Cone, Gilas reclaimed the gold medal, its fifth in the Asiad, after a 70-60 win over Jordan, which was led by TNT Tropang Giga import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

Now, the players will be getting a hefty reward from sports tycoons Ramon S. Ang of the San Miguel Corporation and Manny V. Pangilinan of the MVP Group.

"Of course, you're going to ask if they will get a reward, of course they will. They got the gold," Chua said.

"Boss RSA and sir MVP joined forces and we talked to them. They're going to give something to the players."

For Marcial, who joined the national team as a deputy manager, future tournaments such as the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers are something that needs to be discussed with the SBP and the PBA board of governors with the league opening on 5 November.

"We have to talk to SBP about this and I need to ask the team governors about this. The SBP needs to present a plan to the governors and let's see what the PBA can offer," Marcial said.

"The PBA is always there to help. We need to know the program of SBP for us to support it."