The ugly truth

Pilipinas' basketball revival took yet another detour with this evening's defeat to reigning Asian powerhouse Iran in the semifinals of the 33rd William Jones Cup.

After handing the Iranian powerhouse an opening day loss, we were pretty optimistic going in to tonight's game despite the fact that it was quite noticeable in that first win that Iran was keeping its' trump cards in check. Hamed Haddadi scored in double figures yes, but he wasn't dominant.

Tonight, he was almost Hakeem Olajuwon-like outscoring the entire Philippine team at one point all by himself.

But enough about Haddadi's exploits or of Iran's dominance. It's high time that someone wrote about the state of Philippine basketball and how we could become relevant in Asia once again. Take note, not as a "contender" but simply "relevant."

After PLDT head honcho and the new godfather of Philippine sports Manny V. Pangilinan announced that the Smart Gilas program would continue until 2014, this was seen as a victory for Filipino basketball lovers altogether. It meant continued international exposure and training for our players, and hope to make a dent in the basketball scene that continues to be ruled by giants.

But then I ask, is this why Smart Gilas poster boy Chris Tiu is locked on to the starting shooting guard position despite better talent being available?

I love the SG program, and what it has done for basketball. But sometimes, you just have to ask if we are sending out the BEST available talent per position. And I answer you sir, ma'am, that we are not.

Here are some key factors that may or may not help our cause in the future:

Point guard
From Abarrientos, Alapag to Casio, we all know that the Philippines' best asset is at the PG position. Not even China, Japan or Iran have the players that we have in bunches at that position. From pass-first to high scoring PGs, we will always have the best in Asia. But now, I have come to realize that maybe it's high time that we start looking for PGs 6"0 and above. Jason Castro and Ryan Reyes come to mind, and hey, they are both under MVP's employ.

Shooting guard
Get the best shooters, 6"3 and up, and no more Chris Tiu. Yes, he is a solid player and will probably be an even bigger star once he sets foot in the PBA. But there was always a reason why Jeffrey Cariaso played ahead of Jojo Lastimosa at times for Alaska in the 90s. And this should've been the case with Tiu, who should've sat in favor of the Fil-Am interchangeables Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter (both of whom have applied for the PBA draft).

Small forward
6"4 and above. Mac Baracael should be a lock here. If they can get Arwind Santos or Jarred Dillinger, the better. Kelly Williams should also play this position.

Power forward.
6"7 and above with polished post skills or a jumper. No Japeth Aguilar (despite his vast improvements on defense). Ranidel de Ocampo. Sonny Thoss.

Center
Someone tell Norman Black to keep pushing Greg Slaughter and milk him in the post in the UAAP to further train him, Keifer-mania be damned. Get Samigue Eman and throw him in Black's camp. Get every available 6"10 Filipino, pure or half, and convince them that the best way to get into the NBA is for them to play their height and not masquerade as shooting guards. Marcus Douthit is a nice player, but he is not a banger in the paint. And Asi Taulava never had any skills in the post to speak of.

Coach
Rajko Toroman has done wonders for the Smart Gilas team, yes. But it's time to get an educated Filipino to represent our country. Korea and Chinese Taipei are doing just fine with their mostly local talent and coaching. It's just getting the right coach, and him getting all the support in the world from sponsors. You simply cannot convince me that Franz Pumaren's famed DLSU full court press or Norman Black's halfcourt brilliance cannot win in the AMATEUR RULES FIBA/ international tournaments. I say keep Toroman, but get an established Filipino champion coach in there as well. And yes, I saw Ryan Gregorio on the Smart Gilas bench, but no, dear God not him. He only has one play on his book, and that's to call Iso for his star guards.

If only basketball and sports in general didn't have so much politicking. We could only dream of the fruits that it may bear. If we sent only the best, and not who some people think or feel are the best. For now, more power to Smart Gilas, and keep your heads up Pilipinas!