Chris Newsome On The Recent SEA Games: 'You Can't Take Anything For Granted In This Region That Teams Are Also Getting Better'

Gilas Pilipinas reclaimed basketball supremacy in the region when they won their gold medal match against host country Cambodia at the recently concluded 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh. Quite possibly the most challenging regional event held to date for the national team.

Despite the circumstances due to some pulling out of the roster and the unusual conditions at the event venue, Gilas guard Chris Newsome believes it was still a memorable and successful SEA Games experience nevertheless. The event also opened the doors to young players who wanted to play for the national team.

"The SEA Games was an amazing experience," Newsome said. "It was a grind for sure, due to the conditions, but, you know, the team that we had was I would say was perfect for the job and task at hand because we're all really young and really encouraged to want to play. Because a lot of the guys can't suit up for Gilas under normal circumstances."

"And so the SEA Games is their shot to hit the international stage. And so, a lot of the guys were really excited to get out there and wear that Gilas jersey for the first time. It was nice to have them on board and it was nice to see the fire in their eyes and the hunger that they had to want to go out there and bring the gold medal back to the Philippines," he added.

Newsome also bared that their five day training camp at Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna, helped them prepare, form chemistry and bond before the biennial event.

"Ever since we had training camp in Inspire, we had a five-day training camp where you going two or three days and I ever since and we really got the bond, know each other," the Gilas guard explained. "Coach Chot did a really good job of organizing some team building for us and that brought us closer together. So we all kind of got to know each other really well. We formed a bond that was really close and I think us having that chemistry really showed. As we got to Cambodia and heading into that Finals game, you can really see that our chemistry picked up as compared to some of those earlier games."

The Ateneo alumnus is just one of the few Gilas players to have won gold in both 3 x 3 and 5-on-5 basketball. Back in 2019, the SEA Games was held in Manila and he was part of the Gilas Pilipinas 3 x 3 team that won gold. His Gilas teammate, CJ Perez of the San Miguel Beermen, was also part of that 3 x 3 gold medal team at the time.

"It's pretty awesome to now have two gold medals – one in 3 x 3 and one in 5 on 5. CJ Perez was actually my teammate for both of those occasions so it's nice to be able to achieve that with him," he recalled. "He's done a lot of great things in his career and I'm super happy for him to be able to have those moments with him. They are unforgettable moments and the moments were gonna remember the rest of our lives."

Being part of that 2019 Gilas 3 x 3 team also made him a versatile player overall.

"Just to be able to have both and it means a lot and lets me know that I can perform at a high level, regardless of what stage it's on," Newsome said. "I know that I can compete and always have a chance. And I think the two gold medals in both categories proves that you know, I'm definitely a well-rounded player and really good basketball player at that."

With the 32nd Southeast Asian Games already in the books, playing at this year's event was somewhat an eye-opener for Gilas Pilipinas and the growth of teams in the region have been evident.

"We're proud and honored to bring the gold back to the Philippines. And I think, you know, this is a reminder that you can't take anything for granted in this region that teams are also getting better," Newsome reflected. "They're starting to level up their playing field as well. They want to compete. They want to bring the gold to their countries and they want to take it away from us. So, we definitely can't let our guards down whenever it comes to the Southeast Asian Games. And hopefully this isn't the last one that I get to play in and I'll be able to defend this gold medal come next SEA Games."