While a spot in the FIBA-Asia tournament's final four/ medal round is at stake for both teams, one could argue that this means so much more to the PHL cause owing to its pitiful world ranking (53). We've already beaten Jordan (32) and Japan (33), so that leaves this team with no excuse not to survive a potent Chinese Taipei team (41) that plays more or less the same brand of basketball as the Japanese.
An entry in the top four almost assures us of a higher spot in the FIBA men's basketball world ranking and could lead us to jump 10 spots at the very least.
BUT there's also another reason why we need to make it to the medal round other than having a crack at that olympic berth and SMART Gilas being rebuilt with new faces for 2014.
Marcus Douthit.
The 6"11 Providence star who was only naturalized last June of this year is making a case for himself as the best big man in Asia. While he doesn't enjoy the youthful athleticism of China's Yi Jianlian, there's no other big who has the same skill set as the man we now call "Big Daddy."
Granted, Iranian 7"2 center Hamed Haddadi will always garner some votes, but he doesn't enjoy half the dribbling ability as Douthit or the footspeed. It should also be noted that Douthit has been a remarkable defensive player all his life (a byproduct of his 7"4 wingspan) while Haddadi's was developed more because he's pretty much the tallest guy on the floor.
The reason why I argue that PHL needs to win now, with this current selection of amateur and professional all stars is simple. There's no assurance on how long Douthit will play for the Philippines.
It has happened before. Jeff Moore, Chip Engelland and Dennis Still, recruits of legendary coach Ron Jacobs for the 1980's national team, all headed back to their home country after their "tour of duty" with the Philippines. Had they chosen to stay of course, who knows if we'd ever had Ramon Fernandez, Alvin Patrimonio, Ato Agustin and Vergel Meneses win MVPs in the PBA (since some of the Northern Cement imports/ naturalized guys would've been able to suit up for local pro teams-- who's to say that the Board wouldn't bend over backwards to get those names on the roster?).
Of the three, most of today's generation would be familiar with Engelland who has served as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs since 2006.
Surely a big man as mobile as Douthit wouldn't find it hard to receive offers from all over the world after his efficient display in all the international tournaments that we've been participating in. It would probably take a huge paycheck from one MVP to keep him in the fold for the next couple of years.
That being said, let's enjoy this ride while it's still rolling and support out Philippine national team. And also, when you see Douthit walking around Shangri-La Plaza or anywhere in the streets of Manila, be sure to show him some warm Filipino love (in case you're reading this and is connected with GMA 7 and ABS-CBN, please tell them that the Azkals haven't won jackshit while our basketball team is on the rise and isn't getting any Media love).
"I'll never have Filipino blood, but as far as becoming a Filipino, I'll always have it in my heart." - M. Douthit
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