President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday praised the Gilas Pilipinas Youth team for their impressive 6–0 sweep and gold medal victory at the Under-16 SEABA Qualifiers, calling it a clear testament to the young Filipinos' exceptional talent and determination.
In a post on X following the team’s victory, Marcos congratulated the Gilas Pilipinas Youth squad, led by veteran LA Tenorio in his role as head coach.
“Isang malaking saludo sa Gilas Pilipinas Youth! (A big salute to Gilas Pilipinas Youth!)” Marcos wrote, accompanied by a basketball and Philippine flag emoji.
The President highlighted the exceptional skill and determination of young Filipinos.
“Congratulations on your dominant 6–0 run and the gold medal at the U-16 SEABA Qualifiers. Isang malinaw na patunay na ang galing at determinasyon ng kabataang Pilipino ay walang kapantay (Congratulations on your dominant 6–0 run and the gold medal at the U-16 SEABA Qualifiers. A clear testament that the talent and determination of the Filipino youth are unmatched)," Marcos added.
He then committed to continuing to support the Filipino team in their next competitions.
Gilas Pilipinas Youth dominated early, outscoring Indonesia 21–5 in the first quarter and extending their lead to 41–20 by halftime.
The team surged further ahead in the third period, recording their largest lead at 59–25 with 1:31 remaining, thanks to a 6–0 run fueled by consecutive baskets from Andwele Cabañero, Jeremiah Antolin Jr., and Jhustin Hallare.
Indonesia struggled to respond in the final quarter, as the Philippines completed a clean sweep of the tournament.
Jhustin Hallare led the U16 squad with 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Carl Gabriel de los Reyes added a double-double with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists. Ethan Tan-Chi chipped in nine points, while Evaraigne Cruz contributed seven.
In addition to clinching the gold medal, the Philippines secured a spot in this year’s FIBA U16 Asia Cup in Mongolia. They will be joined by fellow SEABA qualifiers Indonesia and bronze medalist Malaysia in the continental tournament.
