As a runner and endurance athlete I often encounter Gatorade as the official electrolyte drink of races I attend. As a company they’re actually amazing at responding positively to sponsorship and partnership requests from events big and small. Let me tell you, when I’m struggling through fatigue, cramping, and dehydration having Gatorade at aid stations is supreme.
And that goes for other sports they have a presence in as well, the most prominent of which lately is the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. In every 40-minute, high-stakes game, players need to give their all while battling fatigue and exhaustion. That’s why Gatorade, the official electrolyte drink of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, plays a valuable role on the biggest basketball stage.
Players must rehydrate with the necessary fluids and replacing lost electrolytes to keep them playing longer and the Gatorade formula has been proven to do just that by scientists, nutritionists, and world class athletes for more than 50 years. Gatorade is the preferred drink for our national team Gilas Pilipinas, which had a storied run in this FIBA World Cup ending its campaign with a win against China just last week.
Staying hydrated is the key to longevity. Key player for Gilas and resident import of Barangay Ginebra Justin Brownlee had to learn this lesson the hard way. Brownlee battled cramps and had to miss a crucial part of the match due to fluid loss at the SEA Games earlier this year.
“His legs were cramping up due to the heat and exhaustion,” said Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes when the Philippines lost 68-79 to host team Cambodia in a match played under 41-degree weather.
However, the six-time PBA champion bounced back stronger and more determined than ever to lead Gilas in their redemption tour, bringing the SEA Games gold medal within reach.
Gatorade also powered Dwight Ramos through rigorous training sessions and tune up games against select teams from Europe, as well as the Ukraine U-21 team in Estonia and Lithuania. By fueling up and replenishing electrolytes lost during games and practice, Ramos didn’t miss out on any session in between flights from Manila to China for tune up games.
Eight teams are left to battle it out. Will the unbeaten teams from Germany and Lithuania meet in the final — or will they get knocked out? Will the USA with its powerhouse line-up bulldoze through and stand atop the world with defending champ Spain knocked out in the second round?
As the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 heads into the quarterfinals and beyond in the next week, expect the world’s number 1 sports drink to keep these world-class players fueled up for every match. And that makes for exciting watching.
Find out how to watch the FIBA World Cup live courtside and on streaming.
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