Trillanes commends Jones Cup champ Smart Gilas in Senate resolution

Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV recently sponsored a Senate resolution commending the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas for clinching the 34th William Jones Cup after 14 long years in Taiwan.

In Senate Resolution No. 8555, Trillanes said, "the valiant effort shown by the Philippine team in securing the victory is seen as a meaningful and redeeming win as it marks the resurgence of Philippine basketball and reclaims the country's stature as a dominant force in Asian basketball." Said Resolution was approved by the Senate during its plenary session on September 4, 2012.

The Smart-Gilas defeated the powerhouse and crowd favorite United States , 76-75, in the William Jones Cup finals last August 26 in Taipei, Taiwan. The victory marks the fourth time that the Philippines clinched the title in the tournament after the triumph of the Northern Consolidated Cement team in 1981, San Miguel team in 1985 and the Philippine Centennial team in 1998.

Trillanes said Smart-Gilas' coaching staff, officials and the members of the basketball team deserve the nation's congratulation and Senate's commendation for winning the championship.

The 2012 Philippine team is headed by coach Chot Reyes and composed mostly of professional players, namely Enrico Villanueva (Barangay Ginebra), Gabe Norwood (Rain or Shine), Gary David (Powerade), Jeff Chan (Rain or Shine), LA Tenorio (then with Alaska and now with Ginebra)Larry fonacier (Talk N' Text), Mac Baracael (Alaska), Ranidel De Ocampo (Talk N' Text), Sol Mercado (Meralco) and Sonny Thoss (Alaska), Marcus Douthit, Matt Rosser and San Beda's Garvo Lanete.