The Philippine National Men’s Basketball Team will face its FIBA World Cup foes in Spain with country’s name proudly displayed on their chests next to the iconic Swoosh.

Aside from the “Pilipinas” marking in front, the latest kits worn by the players have an aerographic design of the symbolic eight-rayed sun present in the Philippine flag. Nike said that it has decided to add the historical emblem to serve as an inspiration and at the same time a motivation for the Gilas players to always keep in mind that they are not only fighting for themselves but for the entire nation hoping to redeem its place as one of the greatest basketball nations in the world.

According to Chot Reyes, the head coach of the Gilas National Team, basketball is more than a sport for all Filipinos. He justified it by saying that basketball is already in our blood, woven in our DNA and mixed with our entire culture.

According to Gilas point guard LA Tenorio, the jerseys tends to be lighter which he said is a great advantage when he plays as floor general who continuously runs up and down the court. He also added that the efficient heat management of the uniforms will keep the players fresh every time their numbers are called for the sake of the country.

Completing the entire design of the Gilas kits are shades of the iconic red and blue which, according to Nike, should provide the vigor for the Gilas players to always strive to be on top. An alternate kit is replaces the white base with blue.

The new set of Gilas jerseys are still available at Nike stores and select retail stores. (With reports from Francis Fulgar)