Some interesting quotable quotes from U-16 head coach Michael Ray Jarin, in his interview posted at the official FIBAAsia site:
TEHRAN, Iran (3rd FIBA Asia U16 Championship): Philippines, for all the effervescent performance they have shown, have faltered on both the occasions in the Final Four in the two FIBA Asia U16 Championship so far. At the 3rd FIBA Asia U16 Championship too, the SEABA champions are for sure one of the more enthusiastic teams who count their eggs on the speed and skillful display – rather than strategy.
In a manner of speaking that was the case with the entire Filipino basketball, till an inspired performance by the Chot Reyes-helmed RP National Team went all the way till the gold medal game at the 27th FIBA Asia Championship at Manila in August this year.
“That performance has inspired the entire Filipino basketball community,” said Michael Ray Jarin, the coach of the Philippines team at the 3rd FIBA Asia U16 Championship.
“Firstly, it (the Manila performance) has instilled the belief in us that given the right hard work, Philippine teams can achieve in FIBA Asia competitions,” the 43-year-old former Talk N Text support staff member said.
“For starters, all Filipinos think the game we play is the best in the world. Sometimes the reality when it comes to playing in FIBA Asia competitions is completely different. Talent-wise Philippines is second to none. It’s in the approach that we had suffered in the past. But now with this success at Manila and the team going to the World Championship, there’s a sense of euphoria all round,” he added.
Has that euphoria rubbed off on the teenagers playing in Tehran?
“Of course,” said Jarin. “The boys are all keyed up. They gave their own favorite plays they picked from their favorite stars and each one is very keen to prove they belong here. And all of them are proud playing for the flag,” he said.
Like in Manila, there are three qualifying spots from Tehran too – for the 2014 FIBA World U17 Championship to be played in Dubai (UAE) from June 26-July 6 next year.
“It’ll be complete the cycle if we can make it,” said Jarin.
“The senior Gilas team had all pros playing. Those are the top end of the system. These youngsters are at the bottom end of the spectrum. They are just taking their first steps in their fledgling careers. It’ll be a very good thing to see both ends of Filipino basketball going to the World Championship. I think the world deserves to see Filipino basketball and vice versa,” he said.
no tanking.. 
