From Rookie to Gold Medalist: Dalph Panopio’s fast-tracked lesson with Gilas Pilipinas

For Dalph Panopio, the 33rd Southeast Asian Games were never just about minutes played or stats recorded. They were about immersion — being thrown into the deep end of elite basketball, wearing the national jersey, and learning what it truly means to win for country.

Fresh off his rookie season with Blackwater, Panopio suddenly found himself sharing the floor, the huddle, and the grind with some of the most established names in Philippine basketball as Gilas Pilipinas defended its SEA Games crown. The experience, he admits, was overwhelming in the best possible way.

“Very grateful (for the opportunity). Ang goal talaga namin ay ang gold and talagang pinag-trabahuhan namin yun,” Panopio said.

Nothing about Gilas’ path to gold came easy. In every one of their four games, the Filipinos found themselves chasing from behind at halftime — a recurring theme that tested not just skill, but composure. Even in the gold medal match against host Thailand, Gilas had to claw its way back before sealing a tense 70-64 victory.

Those moments, Panopio believes, defined the campaign more than the medal itself.

“Grabe napaaga ‘yung Christmas namin,” he said. “But you know, wearing the jersey, you don’t do it for the name on the back, you play talaga para sa Pilipinas, what’s in front of the jersey, for the country, and representing all the people here.”

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MAGKAIBANG HENERASYON, IISANG PUSO

Ramdam ang saya at pride nina veteran Von Pessumal at Gilas newcomer Dalph Panopio matapos ang tagumpay ng Gilas Pilipinas sa 2025 SEA Games. pic.twitter.com/vMHaQB4Nbx

— News5 (@News5PH) December 20, 2025

Added late to coach Norman Black’s constantly shifting roster, Panopio embraced his role as the primary backup to Robert Bolick. Rather than viewing it as a limitation, the Fil-Italian guard saw it as a classroom — one filled with players he had long watched from afar.

“I’m with Robert, Matthew Wright, Abu. Ray Parks. so many great players na tutulong sa akin to develop not just as a player but also as a person,” he said. “Kahit sa practice lang, malaking experience, malaking improvement. Talagang makakatulong sa laro ko.”

The SEA Games marked Panopio’s second stint wearing Philippine colors, but his first with the senior men’s team — a significant milestone for a player still early in his professional journey. Beyond the tactical lessons and on-court reps, the tournament reinforced a sense of belonging at a higher level of the sport.

As he looks ahead, Panopio remains grounded, acknowledging the people who made the opportunity possible. For him, the gold medal carries the fingerprints of trust — from Blackwater owner Dioceldo Sy, head coach Jeff Cariaso, and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive Ryan Gregorio.

The SEA Games may have crowned Gilas champions once more, but for Panopio, the bigger win lies in perspective gained. In a matter of weeks, a rookie was reminded that progress in basketball isn’t always measured by points scored — sometimes, it’s about earning a seat at the table and learning how champions carry themselves.

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