A research institution based in China has expressed skepticism about Gilas Pilipinas’ success in the recently concluded 19th Asian Games men’s basketball competition.
In a series of tweets, the Somali Institute of Chinese Studies (SICS) criticized the composition of the Gilas Pilipinas roster, claiming it is predominantly made up of foreign players.
SICS mentioned players such as Justin Brownlee, Angelo Kouame, Chris Ross, and Jaymar Perez, as well as those who didn’t participate in the Asian Games like Jordan Clarkson and Jamie Malonzo, in their criticism of the Gilas Pilipinas roster.
It’s interesting to note that China also utilized a naturalized player, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson, under the name Li Kai Er, during the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
“There is a big difference to have one or two naturalized players but to have the entire #GilasPilipinas squad made from US citizens (African-Americans professional NBA talents, naturalized Africans – under Filipino narratives) that is no diversity that’s called being a US colony,” the SICS tweeted.
“There’s nothing Asian about Gilas Pilipinas! Team China didn’t lose to Team Philippines, they lost to a little NATO expansion to contain at the Asian Games because almost the entire Team Philippine players are either African-Americans or Africans. #GilasPilipinas #TeamChina,” it added.
“African-Americans: US Born Justin Brownlee Jamie James Malonzo Chris Newsome Jordan Clarkson (Both his parents served US Air Force) Africans: Ivory Coast: Ange Kouame Nigerians: Ariel Ayotunde Edu (AJ EDU) Christian Perez (CJ Perez) Catch: Mothers have Filipino roots,” the research group further said.
1/2 There's nothing Asian about Gilas Pilipinas! Team China didn't lose to Team Philippines, they lost to a little NATO expansion to contain
at the Asian Games because almost the entire Team Philippine players are either African-Americans or Africans. #GilasPilipinas #TeamChina pic.twitter.com/eHTmLnQaqZ
— Somali Institute of Chinese Studies (@Somali_ICS) October 5, 2023
There is a big difference to have one or two naturalized players but to have the entire #GilasPilipinas squad made from US citizens (African-Americans professional NBA talents, naturalized Africans – under Filipino narratives) that is no diversity that's called being a US colony.
— Somali Institute of Chinese Studies (@Somali_ICS) October 6, 2023
“Ange Kouame – the First African to win Finals MVP Gold Medal in the Asian Games men’s basketball. He received a Philippines passport in 2021. Why do Westerners call China authoritarian regime when non-Asians are playing in the Asian games in China? #GilasPilipinas #AsianGames,” the SICS tweeted.
Ange Kouame – the First African to win Finals MVP Gold Medal in the Asian Games men's basketball. He received a Philippines passport in 2021.
Why do Westerners call China authoritarian regime when non-Asians are playing in the Asian games in China?#GilasPilipinas #AsianGames pic.twitter.com/bIyopCodWV
— Somali Institute of Chinese Studies (@Somali_ICS) October 6, 2023
The research group’s dissatisfaction appears to be rooted in China’s 76-77 loss to Gilas Pilipinas in the semifinals, where Justin Brownlee played a pivotal role.
The Philippine team, under coach Tim Cone, secured the gold medal with a 70-60 victory over Jordan on Friday night.
SICS identifies itself as Somalia’s sole research institute and think tank, specializing in China’s influence on Somalia and Africa.
The post China-based research group criticizes composition of Gilas Pilipinas roster first appeared on Fastbreak.
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