Chris Newsome holds up his gold medal after Gilas Pilipinas received the nineteenth Asian Video games in Hangzhou, China. –JUNE NAVARRO/INQUIRER
One of many closing cuts from the Fiba World Cup roster, Chris Newsome turned in a efficiency to recollect on Friday evening as Gilas Pilipinas clinched its first Asian Video games basketball gold in a protracted whereas.
Newsome completed with 13 factors whereas holding Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to only 24 factors on 8-for-29 taking pictures within the Philippines’ 70-60 overcome Jordan at Hangzhou Olympic Centre Gymnasium in China.
The Meralco Bolts star stated his efficiency eased the ache of not making the squad that performed within the international showcase hosted by the Philippines final month.
“Everybody is aware of I needed to be a part of that Fiba lineup, particularly (it) being at residence,” he informed reporters earlier than heading for the locker room.
“It hurts to get minimize however I at all times saved telling myself that if this isn’t my time, then it’s any person else’s. So I went out and nonetheless supported (the World Cup) group to one of the best of my skills. God had higher plans for me and proper now’s the fruition of when God had different plans.
Jordan’s middle Rondae Hollis Jefferson (24) drives previous Philippines’ guard Chris Newsome (3) throughout the males’s basketball gold medal match between Jordan and the Philippines on the nineteenth Asian Video games in Hangzhou, China, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (AP Picture/Lee Jin-man)
Newsome stated that he’s proud that he was capable of rise to the Gilas mind belief’s problem of maintaining towards Hollis-Jefferson, a former Brooklyn Nets starter.
“Man, everybody is aware of he’s a beast. He’s a world class athlete, an NBA-caliber athlete. Coach Tim (Cone) gave me the duty to protect him immediately and for me that’s a fantastic problem to see the place I’m at. I’m the kind to by no means again down from a problem. And that’s what I needed to just accept‚—that I used to be open to accepting that job,” he stated.
“We all know it’s a troublesome job, however in fact we perceive it’s not inconceivable. At the very least I used to be capable of decelerate him a bit. So simply comfortable to have the ability to do my job immediately. Received to offer credit score to the group for trusting me and having my again as effectively,” he went on.
A winner within the Southeast Asian Video games and now an Asian champion, Newsome hopes that his story evokes plenty of athletes on the market—irrespective of how steep the trek they’re on.
“Typically it might not be your time. It’s for everyone on the market. However if you happen to keep regular, keep constant, pray and simply proceed to consider and work arduous each single day, you’ll lastly get (a break),” he stated.
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“So maintain working arduous and good issues will occur. There’s plenty of ups and downs in life and simply preventing these down occasions praying quite a bit and staying trustworthy to what you do and have good individuals round you finally good issues will occur.”