TEHRAN (2016 FIBA Asia Challenge) - The Philippines may not have been having as much success as they usually do in the FIBA Asia Challenge 2016 in Tehran, Iran, but that doesn’t mean the squad have been short on fireworks. On the contrary, Gilas Pilipinas have had a few highlights of their own, most of which have been provided by versatile 1.91m wingman Mac Belo.

Belo has been nothing less than a beast for Gilas. In four games, he has averaged 21.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.0 steal and 2.0 triples per game while shooting 50.8% from the field. He was named one of the top five players on Day 5 thanks to a 30-point explosion against Kazakhstan. Not bad for a first-timer at this level, eh?

Not surprisingly, Belo was glad about his performance.

“I’m happy and pleased,” Belo said after their maiden win. “I believe the reason behind the win today was that we managed to execute the plays, especially on defense.”

Before yesterday, the Philippines lost their first three games, falling short against India, Chinese Taipei and China. In each of those contests, Belo and his crew took leads and had chances to win, but they just couldn’t close out the games. They had a tendency to fade, especially in the dying minutes of each outing.

Not surprisingly, many fans back home in Manila have been very vocal about their sadness and disappointment. Filipinos aren’t used to seeing their national side struggle this badly, especially after the Philippines have reached a couple of world-level tournaments the past few years.

Belo, however, wants basketball-mad Filipinos to be patient and understand that there is a long-term goal for Gilas.

“I want them to understand that this is a process,” Belo says. “I want them to realize that we are giving our best here.”

That’ll be tough to understand for any fan who sees losses piling up, but Belo may have a point. Remember that nobody on this Gilas roster has ever played at any senior-level Asian tournament before this one. In addition, they have no PBA players, no naturalized player and no Tab Baldwin calling the shots at the sidelines. This is a team full of players fresh out of college. A handful of these guys have never put a Pilipinas jersey on before. Their coach, Josh Reyes, is talented and hard working, but relatively young compared to the likes of Li Nan, Sam Daghlas, Kenji Hasegawa and Dirk Bauermann.

This is a work in progress. Belo is part of that, and he wants his countrymen to trust in the team.

“The next step is for us to play more games to gain the experience of competing in top competitions like the FIBA Asia Challenge,” Belo says. “I hope everyone can trust in the process.”

Still, despite the peaks and valleys of their campaign here in Tehran, Belo remains upbeat. Most of all, he is grateful of the opportunity to play for flag and country.

“Playing in my first FIBA Asia tournament is a great feeling,” Belo shars. “I’m very happy.”

FIBA