Gilas Pilipinas' Chris Newsome against the Taiwan Mustangs in a friendly game at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, June 24, 2024. Photo by Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News.

MANILA – Chris Newsome previously saw himself cut from Gilas Pilipinas' final roster for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

READ: Clarkson, Sotto, Thompson headline Gilas Pilipinas' FIBA World Cup Final 12

The former Ateneo de Manila University star was left out of the squad that competed in last year's Basketball World Cup which was held in the country, but what followed this is a complete 180-turn for the 33-year-old ace.

Newsome was a part of the Gilas squad who clinched historic gold at the 19th Asian Games in China and played a vital piece in the first iteration of Tim Cone's present National team composition.

His uprising just went on to continue since then, with Newsome even being hailed as the Finals MVP in the Meralco Bolts' 2024 PBA Philippine Cup championship run. But despite these sets of personal and team victories, the 6-foot-2 star emphasized that he is not trying to prove anything to anyone.

READ: Championship and Finals MVP a fulfillment of Chris Newsome's promise to Meralco

"Not necessarily prove anything. For me, I'm just fulfilling my duties for the country," he said following their tuneup game win against the Taiwan Mustangs on Monday at the PhilSports Arena.

READ: Dwight Ramos ready to take on PG duties for short-handed Gilas in FIBA OQT
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"There's a lot of people who may say that I deserve to be here or not deserve to be here. But regardless, I'm gonna put my best effort out there for the whole country."

"It's an honor for me to represent and put on the jersey. I'm gonna give everything that I have every time that I step on the floor, but as far as proving anything, no I'm not. I'm just here to do my duty and my job," he added.

What he is out to carry in the OQT, instead, is the weight that representing the flag and country has on him. 

"It takes a lot of courage to step up and put your career and reputation on the line especially for the country to see. There may be times that we fail. We don't mean to fail or let you guys down, but just know that we're doing it all for you guys."

"Your support is greatly appreciated. At the end of the day, it's all about supporting and being united as one country. That's what we're here to do – to do our best for the country and for the people," he emphasized.

Gilas Pilipinas' Chris Newsome against the Taiwan Mustangs in a friendly game at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, June 24, 2024. Photo by Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News.

Newsome then shared that he will be able to fulfill these by filling in the gaps that the short-handed, 11-man roster squad may have in their upcoming 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament stint in Riga as they are set to compete without the injured Scottie Thompson. 

"I am an initiator. I am playing point guard here, so my job is to start the offense and get us into rhythm," bared Chris.

"But Coach Tim brought me in for defense, and that is something that I've taken pride in and gonna continue to do. Sometimes, it takes me pressuring [on defense] and being aggressive so that it affects everybody else, and they see that 'New is playing hard defense so I gotta do my share, too.' A lot of times, it's leading by example."

"Whatever my role is, I'm gonna do it. Of course, Scottie is out, but that leaves some other guys to step up. So it's my job to get everybody on their spots and kind of start the offense as well as dictate what we do on defense," he continued.

And for Meralco star, what will help him in doing the role that will be asked of him is his dedication and passion to his craft,

"I would say that it definitely helps," said Newsome, pertaining to his Finals MVP performance for the Bolts. "But I would say that the majority of my confidence comes from the reps that I put in every single day. Those reps carry over whether I'm playing in the PBA or whether I'm playing here in Gilas."

"Without those reps, without the work that I put in, I definitely wouldn't have the confidence to do what I do. At the end of the day, basketball is basketball. What it comes down to is making the right plays. For me, as a guard in this team, I'm surrounded by the best players that the country has to offer. So as far as scoring wise, I don't necessarily have to look for my shots as much," he explained.

Newsome and the rest of Gilas will return to action against Turkey on June 27 and Poland on June 30 for another set of friendlies before they go up against Latvia and Georgia in the OQT.