Team Montenegro is not only leaving the Philippines on a winning note, but also grateful to the tournament co-host nation for its hospitality during its eventful stay for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

From Gilas Pilipinas to Team USA, the Filipinos managed to extend their support to Montenegro following their narrow 73-69 victory over Greece on the last day of the second round on Sunday, Sept. 3, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, 

While it can be argued that the Greeks struggled with player unavailability in two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Montenegrins were certainly a revelation due to their own brilliant efforts.

After qualifying for the second round of the quadrennial meet, Montenegro showed the USA its vulnerable side and even led for some parts of their match, though it ended in an 86-73 defeat, the small European country made heads turn.

As they wrap up their second World Cup stint, the Montenegrins are rightly proud of making “an overall very good impression” highlighted by their performance against the all-NBA squad Americans.

“The main goal is for all of us to be healthy  after this tournament. Second of all, for us to advance to the second round and maybe the third goal is to make a good impression,” said Montenegro head coach Bosko Radovic.

“We played against Greece with the same energy I can say like in the ggame versus the United States.

“In the last quarter, we weren’t afraid to win over Greece because for our small country, for our team, playing big teams like Lithuania, United Stated, Greece, it’s a big thing. And if you can make victories, it’s unbelievable. The most important thing is we made three victories and we [only] lost two times. That’s a great score for us, a great tournament for us, we are so happy because of all these things.

“In the end, we want to say congratulations to the Philippines. Great organization of this tournament, here the people are with us, very good hospitality and my impression is very nice. Thanks to the Philippines, thanks to Manila.

“We were a little surprised with the Filipino people here and we are [a] small [country] and everybody, I think, since the first day, gave us support here. And finally, tonight. Thank you to the Filipino people,” he furthered.

Montenegro is heading home with a 3-2 record and a promising future ahead of them.