Tuesday, March 31, 2009

A Humbling Experience

We just played against a local professional team here in Serbia and lost by 30 points. I can't pronounce nor remember the team name. All i know is that they are one of the top teams here in Serbia and made it to the 'Super League' in Eastern Europe. They were just so tall, smart and fundamentally sound. Moreover, they play as a team so well. They set great screens and they move really efficiently. The wingman i was guarding was 6'6 and with African origins. He was their import. And when he was substituted, i would guard another guy who was about 6'4. I'm officially 5'10. Their centers stood at around 6'10 and are quite athletic for their size. Anyway, the style of their games is just so different from the way we play back home in Manila and the way the Americans play in the NBA. Pass, pass, pass, shoot! No non-sense dribbling.

Before coming here to Serbia, we played Talk and Text for an exhibition game and beat them by 20 points. We felt that we were improving, but when we played here... it was just a wake up call and a realization on the level of basketball internationally.

Honestly, we didn't play to the level we're supposed to be playing because probably, we were in awe and impressed but I think if we played our game against this Serbian team, we would have lost by just around 10 to 15 points. Still bad i know! The tactics we observe from the teams here are really so fundamental but we take them for granted. Very unselfish basketball despite clear advantages for them in terms of match ups. The guy i was guarding could have easily posted me up (which most coaches in the Philippines would have done) but they respected their system. Very disciplined! Too bad for us we had to play them in our first game here in Serbia. I heard the rest of our games coming up won't be as strong as that team but still very very tough. We have 7 games in 8 days here. So another game coming up.

Before going to bed last night, i was talking to my roommate JV and we agreed that this was truly a humbling experience for us but fortunately, we have a long term program and a great coach who, we believe, can bring out our potentials to the fullest.

P.S. I'll try to find a way to post pics from here because i don't have my laptop, just a public computer.

64 comments:

Ceila said...

Wow. WOW.

Anonymous said...

hi chris, i'm JOY...

good luck sa practice niyo,
galingan mo ha!!

Anonymous said...

good eve chris! this is rhea! actually im at work tonight and then i check out your blogsite and here's what i found! jeje! you also texted us thru fanatxt that yah have a new post message thats why im here readin it out! by the way, everytime ur textin thru ur fanatxt i always makin a point to reply to all your txts..hope yah read all the msgs that i sent.. anyhow, even if yah lose against that team, im still proud of yah guys that you still want to win and i know naman with all your heart ang mga gnagwa nyoh jan eh.. JUST KEEP IT UP! thanks coz yah still hve tym updatin and txtn us even your so bc wit ur routines der! hands down akech seo! jejeje! as in! yngatz na lang wah! and regards to the other guys! jejeje! God Bless Chris! mwah mwah! :)

renee_magtoto said...

hey chris! i'm quite surprised that you already have a new entry.. i just checked your blog this morning and i read the entry before this one.. hhmm.. maybe this is also a learning experience for you guys.. i know you learned something from it.. i wish you good luck in your next games.. and please do take care.. god bless you mr.tiu! smile.. =)

Anonymous said...

hey! its owkei kahit talo may ibang game pa naman eh!! sana manalo kaya nyo yan!! go!go! go!! para sa min panalo pa rin kayo!!

sabriaü said...

I really admire the way you're able to manage your time so wisely, Chris. Despite being away and given the hectic schedule that you have, you still find the time to write blog entries and keep us all posted. Thanks, we really appreciate the effort. You make us feel really important.

Regarding your loss against that Serbian team on your first game there, well, I guess it's acceptable. Twas your first, and it's always hard when you haven't had any experience about something. It's a part of the learning process. Now you all can't afford to be complacent. And I'm sure the Serbians have earned your utmost respect. Haha. Also, we're really short ones compared to them in terms of height. That's a fact already, you have to live with it. Haha.

Bawi na lang kayo in your remaining games. Of course, you can do it! You weren't recruited to the RP Team for nothing. Show 'em what you got! Keep the hopes alive, kaya niyo 'yan!

And oh, i love your contact lenses in Ripley's huh. They suit you well. Wear them more often! Haha.

It's really worth it checking your blog everyday and finding new entries. 'Di nakakasawa mag-leave ng comments.

I hope the next blog you'll post will be about how you won over another Serbian or whatever team you'll be up against. I'll be praying for your continued success. Anyway, it's for our country, so all your efforts will be worth it for sure- win or lose.

Lead your team and the Philippines to another glorious triumph, Chris!

Andrea :) said...

Hi Chris! It really feels good to know that you're pursuing your basketball career and updating us with it as well. Good luck & God bless in your other games. hehe.

One Big Fight! :-)

ailene said...

Hello Chris! I am quite glad that you keep us updated. Thank you. I wish you good luck and the whole team for your next games. :)

take care Chris

tim said...

good luck to you and the team pilipinas. Hope the team can recover for that. god bless

Anonymous said...

okay lang yan chris

bilib parin naman ako sa kaya ng pinoy

i remember nuon sa olympics nag
5ft place tau

ONE BIG FIGHT

http://gmaseven.blogspot.com/

nurse jane said...

what's important is that you've learned from that game...
there is still lots of time to improve, right?...
thanks again for the updates...
hmmmm..I'm starting to love it when you're away...
you update us more often..haha!
just kidding...:)
you take care there ah!..
God bless you more..^o~

weng10282000 (",) said...

hello again, chris!!! how are u? Your games against Serbian pro-basketball team must be a humbling experience for you and your team, sana makabawi kayo on the next exhibition games, that's part of a challenge/training and needs to improve it. Continue to defend your team and face consequences on what happened in the next level... Kaya nyo yan... It make brings proud and honor to the Filipinos to win in an international basketball scene.

Soar high that you've become win...

I'm praying for you, chris... take care!!! :)

(P.S.: About your picz in Serbia, kindly post your picz, when you returned back to Manila... well, it's ok, i really understand your consideration)

cHeeN uY said...

Way to go Chris! Philippines is so proud of you and your team mates. Hope to catch a game of yours live. Good luck! ; )

Lia Chen said...

Chris! That is so fine. :) Defeat is always there. Just do your best in all you do. Head up young man, Chris. :) More games to come and you will achieve what you are aiming for. BTW, I saw Queyen today. She told me to say hi to you!

Anonymous said...

talaga you are using public computer there? so magkano naman ang renta? hehe.

ok lang matalo, learning experience yun e, di naman lagi mananalo, atleast nakikita nyo saan ang kshinaan ng team.

ingat dyan!

-JONA

PS: paki kiss na lang ako sa room mate mo, kay JV CASIO (haha)

ian laput said...

Win or lose, it's still a significant game since the team learned something about it especially on humility, focus,flexibility and playing as a team....
God be with all of you on the next 7 games in Serbia...
Luceat Lux Vestra.

Anonymous said...

Good luck on the next game.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
eena said...

Good DAY!Mr.Chris....

Well maybe it's just the 1st time of Smart Gilas to compete teams like them...So maybe you're just adjusting that's why you didn't make it...but it's ok because you all are just a first timer and needs more training to improve pa....

Well GOODLUCK TO ALL OF YOU!!!

tiny said...

ok lang yan...=)
gLingan mo p0 sa prctice and sa games!!!
tC..=)
g0dbLess..

♥ alyssa mari ♥'s 17 said...

hey Chris!

kaya nyo 'yan!
just do your best! =)

Good Luck!

God Bless you all!

mikee2009 said...

hi chris!
i know its tough battling a foreign team with mixed races.... lol...

maybe its really tough for you to guard an African taller then you but it does not matter ayt?

just do your best with the team....

international basketball especially European style is really very weird.. They always like shooting outside and seldom passing the ball just like what you have described the team you played against...


good luck to you and the smart gilas team!!!

fence sitter said...

At least, it is a learning experience....and since you are all so down...there is no way to go but up...

take care! thanks for the update.

mary grace said...

okay lang yan chris... ano ngayon kung matatangkad sila?... hehehe think positive always... goodluck sa lahat ng mga games nyo...

Anonymous said...

hey chris,
well, it`s okay. i believe in you, there are still other up comin` games, right? I know your team can still win :)
goodluck!
stay safe and God Bless!

somebody ;p

elaine said...

wow...

their really good in the sport...

but remember what the film FAcing the GIants is for?

i guess that's it!


AMDG chris!

jennieca xoxo blue lover said...

nice!


gudluck and Godbless


Godspeed!


enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!

ciao!,,

3xie said...

whoa..ang tangkad nila ha.haha..ok lng yan..cge gud luk sa games nio p nd training..haha :))

Anonymous said...

..= kuya chris???
KELAN PO BA ANG OPENING NG PBL TNX..

elledodz said...

goodluck and god bless...
go...go...go...

badlongon said...

lo

badlongon said...

hi chris. We all have our own humbling moments. i'm sure you'll be able to pick up yourself from this realization pretty soon... i hope the whole philippine team will unite and play as one team for our country! you can make it guys! i just know you can! good luck Chris and Go Go Go Team Philippines.

God bless
-badlongon

jamy said...

Just have fun and learn...

"Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best." - Tim Duncan

faye said...

Winning is great, sure, but if we're really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. We've got to learn to survive a defeat. That's when we develop character. Kudos to you and to the rest of the Philippine Team!:)

Mabuhay ang manlalarong Pilipino.:)

arrie said...

Hello chris!sad to hear that you didn't win the first game but it's okay,just cheer up!great victory comes with great sacrifice.make well on your upcoming games,u can do it!tcee and god bless always! =)

eLai said...

hello Mr.C...ayus lang yun...ganun talaga buhay...pero I'm sure naman na marami kayong natutunan from that experience...practice lang! and pray to God for guidance, He will listen naman eh...ingatzzz kayo lagi ah, iwasan ang disgrasyah...mahirap nah...God Bless You All! mwah!

love lots,
elai

lhen7 said...

-ok lang yun at least the team had good experience... saka sabi mo nga may mga next games pa kayo, kaya nyo yan...marami pa kayo malalaman sa mga next games ng team...good luck and thank you for always updating us... keep safe po enjoy ka lang jan sa Serbia hehe...

almira said...

thanks for keeping us updated, captain. [despite the fact that you don't have your laptop with you, you still made a way] :)
totally one of a kind. :)

at least you learned something that will surely improve what you already have as a team. :)

just stay focus and pray :)
take care!

joy m. said...

hey chris! even if you lost in your first game there, im sure that there's still more chances to make it up. we'll continue to support you chris! goodluck!

Erine said...

Whew.. Mukhang sobrang nkakakpagod yung magiging training nyo jan.. TSk.. Ang laki ng height difference nyo.. Its like david and goliath playing.. But dont worry, you guys will surely find a way to reduce the points and make the height difference an asset for the team...(NAKAKAPUWING ang maliliit remember, hehehe!!!) BEsides.. It was just the first game.. MAke the 8 days fruitful.. PAgdating sa SEA at olympics, mas malalaki pa ang kalaban nyo... Its good that they decided to take you guys out of your comfort zones..

THAnks for the effort of keeping in touch.. we really appreciate the efforts.. Ok lang kahit late ang pics.. Pwedeng request? If ever yung sa pic sana yung buong RP team.. Thanks!! Stay safe!!! Xiao!!!

mikee2009 said...

i just read the nes on the papers....

wow, you almost won against a local pro-team...

dylan, jv and of course you were amazing..... keep it up...

hope you'll post more updates....

y0hj.o17 said...

hi chris ! aus lang yan kahet tambak ng 30 points atleast you know it to yourself na you did the best !! nothing to regret with .. haha !! =))




take care & God Bless !

Anonymous said...

hi chris im derd...the lost is worth it..i mean you did all ur best to win the game and we cannot deny the fact that ur opponents are really tall. but i know that u have learned something from that experience. just keep on practicing i know in ur succeeding games u'll win.!!!!

Glenn M. said...

Glenn here again, man! from NBDB...

Just take it as a big learning experience. At least you know where our team (the players) stands in the international event. and how to face them in the future.

Good thing that you can still write even with your very packed schedule of activities. This could be a form of your relaxation. Wish i could do that also. I mean the writing, not basketball.

Keep it up, man.

bfrances said...

Hi Kuya Chris!
Losing is part and parcel of life. But I believe that your team is continuously learning from this experience. Just play fair and square, d'accord? :)

Bonne chance! :)

A bientot,
Ben Francis Rances

janine de gracia said...

.chris.
.it's ok even you'd lost in the game.
.there's still time to improve your skills.
.i know you are doing your best each time you play in the court.
.don't worry about the differences in height,we cannot change that fact. haha.
.but you can show them that even were small ones we have big dreams to make our country proud.
.just continue to learn more.
.i know that in your coming games you will improve more.
.regard to the others.
.btw,i like your contacts.
.you look more handsome.
.not joking ah.
.take care always.
.looking forward for your entries.
.mua.

Anonymous said...

astig tlga mga Serbian.. very coachable sila.. kaya the last time team Pilipinas went to serbia talo din sila.. but they learned a lot in Serbia..

Chris thanks for the update!

Teampilipinas.info

Anonymous said...

astig tlga mga Serbian.. very coachable sila.. kaya the last time team Pilipinas went to serbia talo din sila.. but they learned a lot in Serbia..

8 games... Im sure you can win 5 games!

Chris, thanks for the update!

Teampilipinas.info

tita kay said...

Chris,

Aww, that's OK. There is nothing embarrasing about losing to a bigger and better team. It's not even "sayang" because what is important is what we can learn from the game and from the experionce.

Tomorrow is another day. Hence, a new experience and a new learning.

The team can also re-examine its system and see how it can swiftly adjust depending on the situation.

God bless you guys!

P-chy (crazypeach) said...

Ayus lang yan...you can always improve from that experience! Fighting!!!! Aja! Fight-o!!!!

I'm just glad you're roommates with JV Casio...no more boundaries between the two of you from rival schools. It lessens my boundary to you as well...since I'm an Archer too. Hihi!

Good luck to your next games!

claidesaludar said...

we really have to experience downfall at time to make s realize that there are still rooms to improve!

way to go chris!

*yaNnah1217* said...

.,you can still do it..1st game plng yan..7 games dba?!..o may 6 games p kau..kaya nyo yan!!..mgling ang pinoy dba?!..mgling tau kya we can still win..=)..mgling nman lhat ng nsa philippine team eh.un lng..ingat kau always.

.,nga pala..i enjoi ur fanatxt..i subscribed to it since the first time i saw it s commercial..hope to get more updates from serbia..tsaka we'll wait for your pics..again take care and god bless!.=)

eriCKson maNUeL said...

uHHmm.. kiP saFe!!! yngATs kaH pOwH jaN.......LgeH goDBLeSS!!!!

chee-nee-tah^^ said...

hi..

thanks p0 c0z u still find time to update us khit na meju busy ka.. we really appreciate your eff0rt=) h0pe you'd still find time to update us..^^ anyway, g0od luck p0 sa mga susun0d pa na games ni0.. khit na natal0 pu ke0,0k lang p0 yan.. may susun0d pa.. just d0 ur best in ur next games!!

well, til' here nlang p0.. can't wait to hear for your next updates..hehehe..

g0odluck..

g0dbless!!

tei care p0..

g0 CHRIS TIU^^

GO RP TEAM!!!


PS.
wait ku p0 reply mu..heheh.. thanks^^

haylin said...

hey chris!

are your games televised?hope it is because we want to watch it too!anyhow,it ok if you guys lost your 1st game. It just goes to show that you still need a lot of improvement to conquer your next games. Well, basically playing games internationally has a lot of realizations than playing locally. Will it be from the height of the players down to how they play. For instance, NBA games to PBA games has a lot of differences.

Being a champion doesnt mean you always have to be on top. Just give a lil push and I know you guys can make it!

LESSON LEARNED Chris!:)
ingat!:)

Raiza said...

It's a great thing you guys are able to experience playing with really awesome guys... If there's a time to lose, there's always a time to win. Just do your best. The Filipinos will always be proud of you and your team. Keep it up!Whatever you do, do it well!

yil said...

hi, Chris!

That experience of yours is truly humbling. It's okay to lose. What's important is how you played the game. I know with the determination and fighting spirits you all have, your team will win!

I'm hoping that you'll post your pix in Serbia.

I really appreciate the time you give to us - your fans in keeping us updated with your whereabouts. Thanks!

God bless you always!

Aja!

Anonymous said...

hi! chris...

i wish you good luck
and your team to your
next game...

and enjoy!
to your game...

♥PRINCESS♥

Anonymous said...

it's nice to see in
your blog that your
trying your best to
update us...
it really mean lot
to us(your fans)...

and thank you for your time...

god bless you...
take care...

♥PRINCESS♥

christina said...

thanks for keeping us updated..it's very well appreciated. we still miss you though :(

=) said...

Good for you! =)

bianca said...

Wahay I'm so sad you had to leav, I'm looking forward unto your come beack at seven right? Regards to your team mates, hope you keep us posted and hope that you'll be sharing some pictures there. Good luck you in guarding a player that's really beyond your height...

Yong's world said...

it is nice to know that you can now compare the way we played basketball here in the phils as well as internationally. i always believed in our team esp you because i know that you are very passionate with basketball. every game is a learning process for everyone and hopefully, team rp will do good in your coming international competitions. i will support you and team rp in your coming games. thank you always for updating us about your time in serbia and always take care of yourself. i still miss you and goodluck on your future games. you can still win it!!! remember, you're my TIUperman!!! hehehe!!!

limangtaong_gulang said...

kuya chris, bakit hindi po nakasama sa serbia si kuya ryan buenafe? tatanong ko lang po. sayang naman kasi yon. :(