And while we were still manhandled by powerhouse teams such as Korea, Iran and Jordan, it was nice to see that our team was able to compete on even terms and even had the opportunities to steal some games had it not been for injuries, fatigue, incomplete line-ups and boneheaded plays expected from late recruits/ young players.
Now that it's all over and as we wait for the FIBA Asia tournament which is right around the corner (we play our first game on September 15), here are some observations on Team Pilipinas (there's always room for criticism because if we don't point this out now, how else are we supposed to improve?):
Chris Tiu is a solid role player, but cannot be expected to make plays
I no longer want to discuss why Tiu is playing heavy, starter minutes for Smart Gilas when better talent at the position is available. This is probably why Rey Guevarra decided to join the PBA draft instead. And why Paul Lee didn't even bother. Tiu fought for rebounds. He brought the ball up without turning it over. But overall, he didn't have any impact in any of the nine games they played which is big considering the fact that Gilas is a perimeter-oriented team.
Mac Baracael is not a power forward
I feel for Baracael who is a much better player than Tiu, Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter combined. Definitely leaps and bounds better than starting PF Japeth Aguilar as well. Yet he languishes on the bench and plays back-up for whoever. This leads us to think that if only head coach Rajko Toroman had Ranidel de Ocampo or Kelly Williams on board, then Baracael could slip back to his natural SF spot where he can shine on both ends.
JV Casio is clutch
He was the man in San Beda. He was the man in De La Salle. Now, he changes his style of play from SG to PG and whoops ass. He's even breaking out some crossovers here and there while keeping his mean stroke from the outside. He's even added a teardrop-floater in his arsenal. Hopefully, he continues to flourish as a pass-first guard with clutch shooting in the mold of a Ronnie Magsanoc or Dindo Pumaren.
Rajko Toroman doesn't utilize his wings
Marcio Lassiter is one of the better ball handlers and slashers on the team. Yet he was only given the green light to do so in their last game versus Chinese Taipei, and only after Chris Lutz was out. Often used as a defender and corner three point specialist, one has to think why Toroman never demanded more from his prized Fil-Am wings and insisted on playing both Lassiter and Lutz out of position at SF. Oh wait. Someone has a lock on the SG position. See above.
Asi Taulava has no game
From long time starting center to back-up enforcer. Asi never had the post game to back his 6"9 frame. Eric Menk and Danny Ildefonso, guys three inches shorter, would always go around him in the paint despite being lighter than the Fil-Tonggan. Now, little is expected of Taulava and rightfully so. As an enforcer off the bench, he fits the role to a "T." But you'll have to wonder when the wheels will start falling off and who can replace him once he is on the wrong side of 40. Still, thank you Asi for playing big despite your limitations.
Marcus Douthit is a finesse player
More Chris Webber than Shaq. He is a superb role model and the right import/naturalized center for the job. We can't ask for more from Douthit, and should appreciate what he has and continues to do for the National team. Still, perhaps the people behind Smart Gilas could start looking at local talent or even more naturalization candidates who can bang and rebound.
Japeth Aguilar still doesn't know how to play
He is as phenomenal and athletic as ever on the defensive end, blocking shots from all over and hustling to recover on his teammates' blown assignments. But there are still several flaws to his game, offensively and defensively. On offense, he has nothing but dunks. He attempted two jumpers in today's game and missed both strongly. Why? At 6"9, he shouldn't be jumping from 14 ft. anymore a a simple push shot would do (give him tapes of Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Garnett). He doesn't have the muscle to post anyone up even if most Asian PFs are listed at only 6"5 to 6"8. And on defense, he still bites on every shot fake thrown his way like most wide-eyed greens do. I'm still pulling for you Japeth, but maybe it's high time to work on your game instead of relying on your athleticism (which is a gift, but as we all know, doesn't last a lifetime).
Despite all of our criticisms over the course of the program, tonight was a great night not only for Smart Gilas Pilipinas but for all Pinoy basketball fans. This only shows that with the right set of players, commitment and funding, that we do have what it takes to win big in international tournaments over bigger countries.
"If you're going to dream, then dream BIG!" Let's try for that FIBA title now!
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