Do we really need validation in Southeast Asian (SEA) Games basketball?

Last week, my piece on what SEA Games basketball has become lately had mixed reviews.

Mind you, I wasn’t surprised that many still were batting for the formation of the best even for SEA Games basketball.

I then asked myself if I was missing out on something.

After a thorough deliberation, I came to the conclusion that there are just guys out there who are simply unaware of Philippine basketball’s storied past.

Until now, I believe that the Philippines has outgrown SEA Games basketball that it can afford to give away or donate the gold medal to the other teams — the minnows of basketball — such as Thailand, Indonesia or Malaysia.

I just don’t find the rationale behind winning it at all cost just because basketball is our game.

Again, there is no pride and honor in beating up a kindergarten if you are a sixth-grader.

SEA Games basketball doesn’t have weight in the world stage.

C’mon guys, we have proven that we are at par with the best Asian squads.

Why do you crave for a SEA Games basketball title?

Is it because winning the gold is a lot easier?

Tsk. Tsk.

Why don’t we pick up a fight with somebody our own size?

If we keep on insisting that it is a mortal sin to lose the SEA Games basketball gold medal, then we are a hideous bunch of insecure people.

Well, if the sport involved is boxing or badminton, that’s a different story. The Thais are world-class in boxing and the Indonesians are the gods of badminton.

But basketball? Apart from the Philippines, all the other SEA countries are nobodies in basketball.

Perhaps, when 2027 comes, we might just a send an all-star team composed of the legendary benchwarmers from the various leagues.

Since the conduct of the events in the SEA Games has become ludicrous, it would be ideal not to bother the big guns so they can devote themselves for the real battles such as the FIBA Asia Cup, Asian Games and Olympic qualifying meets.

At least when we get to face the Chinese, Koreans, Japanese, Aussies and Kiwis, the Europeans and those from the Americas, we won’t be accused of bullying.

Given Philippine basketball’s rich history, giving away the SEA Games gold is a gallant act, something that tells everyone in the region that we are not desperate to settle for crumbs and leftovers.