San Miguel Gilas: The dream

Can't win FIBA games on style points

Philippine basketball fans know this by now though some have a hard time grasping its notion, the SMART Gilas Pilipinas basketball team is owned by Manny V. Pangilinan, its head coach is Talk 'n' Text's Chot Reyes, and most of its players will be from the very same PBA team.

There are no arguments to be made there, it's quite clear now that there are two basketball powers in the country (which we love as long as they keep it clean) and that. much like it was San Miguel's turn a decade ago, the ball is now with Team MVP. Simply put, if they can bring in players of equal caliber without jumping ship or having to stoop and beg their rivals, then so be it. Fortunately enough, this country is stacked with basketball talent and that there will always be a star (or more) who are not under their employ.


But, what if the ball was on the other court? What if it were still Team SMC calling the shots for the National Team? Here's a 12-man roster of "San Miguel Gilas" hopefuls that this writer was FB chatting buddy Berto D. about and how it would or could work.

PG Alex Cabagnot/ Jayjay Helterbrand/ Mark Barroca
This team will run with its guards, but they won't be burning the hoops anytime soon. They're all streaky shooters at best so that could hurt our chances, zone defenses haven't changed in the last 50 years so that pretty much takes away their driving skills unless it's on fastbreak.

SG Mark Caguioa/ Chris Lutz/ James Yap
Of the three, and this may come as a surprise based on their PBA statures, but Lutz is the best fit for the FIBA game. He plays lockdown defense, picks his spots (thus his high efficiency ratings) and knows how to get fouls. Caguioa comes off the bench to provide the spark and run opponents to the ground, but at 30+ that could prove difficult to sustain. Yap is a question mark despite his improvements under coach Tim Cone at BMeg because he is no longer the shooter that he was in college and is now more of a streaky shooter.

SF Arwind Santos/ Dylan Ababou
If he could only concentrate on where he's the best at, which is defense, then Arwind Santos can lockdown anyone form Sam Daghles to Rasheim Wright or even, daresay, legendary Fadi El-Khatib. That's a big IF. Fortunately though, Ababou is just as good (though slower footspeed-wise and less athletic by Santos' standards) and actually drills in open Js by bending his knees and following through.

PF Kerby Raymundo/ Joe DeVance/ Marc Pingris
Other than the SG spot, this is where the San Miguel Gilas team could make its money. Raymundo has proven that when inspired (like his first stint with Team Pilipinas and when he was traded to Ginebra earlier this conference), he can pretty much take over games. JDV comes in and provides size and a different look on offense. Defensively, both players won't put up much of a fight (though Raymundo will try his darndest while JDV is good for 6 fouls) and that's where Marc Pingris selection proves invaluable. Hell, you can even throw FireQuinito's Sakuragi at the 3 spot when need be.

C Yancy de Ocampo/ Rob Reyes
Nothing to see here folks. One's too old and soft, the other's solid but raw. This is where getting a good, naturalized import comes in.

Head coach: Tim Cone/ Rajko Toroman
The brain power, pedigree and championships alone are mind-boggling and nerdgasmic. Will they run? Will they play half court? OR, will they run the Triangle?

All in all, looking at the players, they will probably add a Sonny Thoss and maybe another big man to shore up the frontline. It's a blessing either way, since Team SMC features superstar individual players more than team players who move well without the basketball. Caguioa, Yap and Raymundo all need the basketball in isolations to be effective. Cabagnot needs to control the offense (which is forgivable since he's the PG), same with Helterbrand. Barocca could've been the best choice for FIBA tourneys, but lately he's been playing a little lackadaisical and very un Barocca like. Definitely far from his previous run with SMART Gilas during Wyne-gate.