Looking back at the Gilas team that broke the “Korean curse”: How the 2013 heroes shaped Philippine basketball ahead of the 2025 World Cup qualifiers

Twelve years ago, on August 10, 2013, Gilas Pilipinas ended a long-standing nightmare for Philippine basketball. In the semifinals of the FIBA Asia Championship, the team stunned South Korea, 86–79, breaking what fans had dubbed the “Korean Curse.” The victory was not just a win—it was a defining moment that reshaped the national team’s legacy and inspired a nation of basketball fans.

A decade of heartbreak

Before that night, South Korea had been a recurring hurdle for the Philippines, denying Gilas at crucial moments for more than a decade. The weight of history—and the hope of millions of fans—rested on the shoulders of the 2013 squad.

Disaster struck early when naturalized big man Marcus Douthit suffered a calf injury and never returned. But instead of collapsing, Gilas rallied. The absence of Douthit became a rallying point, and the team leaned on grit, focus, and teamwork. 

A game of nerves and heroes

The game became a tense back-and-forth battle. With 4:40 remaining, South Korea’s King Ming Go completed a rare four-point play, giving his team a 75–73 lead. The crowd fell silent—but the Filipinos refused to break.

Ranidel De Ocampo sparked a key 13–3 run, including a spinning bank shot that gave Gilas the lead with 2:20 left. Jimmy Alapag hit a pressure-packed three-pointer, Gabe Norwood blocked a critical shot, and Marc Pingris secured a loose ball and finished to seal the win. When the buzzer sounded, players and fans alike erupted in tears and jubilation. 

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

#throwback Gilas Pilipinas beat South Korea in the FIBA Asia 2013!

Watch video – https://t.co/yeu7WAEbPm

View Photos – https://t.co/OowjT8XgIV

Read recap – https://t.co/kSx0VHigrP

Photos by @gmtan pic.twitter.com/lSKvT0X2gn

— Gilas Pilipinas (@smartgilasph) August 27, 2018

A victory that changed Philippine basketball

The win sent Gilas to the 2014 FIBA World Cup, the country’s first appearance in over 35 years. More importantly, it inspired:

A renewed interest in the national team

A stronger player pipeline, including young talent and overseas-based stars

A generation of players looking up to the 2013 team as the standard of heart and resilience

Relevance today: 2025 World Cup qualifiers

As Gilas prepares for the 2025 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the spirit of that 2013 victory lingers. Today’s roster mixes PBA stars, collegiate standouts, and rising international talents. Yet the lessons remain: fight with heart, rise in adversity, and carry the nation with pride.

The question now is simple: who among today’s Gilas will create a moment as iconic as the night the curse was finally broken?

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!