Philippines’ hoops progress reflects sport’s surge

The Philippines may have beaten only one of its five opponents and been eliminated at the group stage of the Basketball World Cup but they have won over a country that can sense the rapid progress of the sport in the nation. ''Being there is a mini victory for the country already,'' former captain Chris Tiu told The Associated Press. ''It means that we belong to the elite of Asian basketball.'' One of the most successful coaches in Philippine professional basketball, American Tim Cone, shared Tiu's sentiments. ''What a moment,'' he said in commentary on local television as the Filipinos geared for the opening battle last Saturday against Croatia.