In a story of redemption and national pride, veteran guard Matthew Wright has finally captured the elusive Southeast Asian Games gold medal with Gilas Pilipinas. The victory in Thailand comes three years after a devastating silver-medal finish in Hanoi, marking a triumphant return to the top of the regional basketball scene.
From Heartbreak in Hanoi to Gold in Thailand
The journey to this victory was paved with past disappointment. In the 2022 SEA Games finals in Hanoi, Wright and the Philippine squad suffered a shocking defeat to Indonesia, a loss widely regarded as one of the most painful in the country's storied basketball history. That silver medal fueled a burning desire for redemption, a feeling shared by returning player Thirdy Ravena, who also claimed his first SEA Games gold this year.
"I came into this tournament trying to avenge that loss," Wright stated, highlighting the personal and collective mission driving the team. He revealed that while plans for the SEA Games campaign began as early as September, the actual team preparation was condensed into a tight two-week window before the tournament.
Overcoming Challenges on the Road to Gold
The path to the championship was not smooth. Wright pointed out the logistical hurdles faced by the team, noting, "Thailand did everything possible to make it difficult for us to have a team." However, this adversity only served to strengthen the bond within Gilas Pilipinas. The challenges forced the squad to band together more closely, forging a unity that proved unbreakable on the court.
For the 34-year-old Wright, the call to serve the national team remains paramount. "Anytime the country calls me, I’m going to play no matter what, no matter what tournament it is," he affirmed, expressing gratitude to head coach Norman Black for including him in the roster.
Shaking Off Rust for National Glory
Wright admitted that his commitment to the national cause came at a personal cost. His participation meant missing the start of the 2025-26 Japan B.League season, which left him feeling less than sharp in the initial games of the SEA Games tournament. Despite this early rust, the seasoned shooter quickly found his rhythm and form.
His resurgence was a key component of Gilas Pilipinas's dominant performance throughout the competition. Wright's experience and shot-making ability helped propel the team through the field, culminating in the gold-medal victory that erased the memories of 2022 and restored the Philippines to its traditional place atop the SEA Games basketball podium.
