Building PBA San Miguel Gilas

Sila? Lalaro sa SMART Gilas? WEH.
San Miguel Gilas pa, pwede.

We already know the story and no matter how frustrating and "head-scratching" it may be, we are bound to see another FIBA-bound Philippine men's basketball team that features only half (a third even) of the league's best players (if any, depending on their availability).

Fortunately for us, we live in a world of Freedom of Speech and Expression. This allows us to conjure such discussions that may or may not see the light of day. It's not a secret, the PBA has allowed its players to be on loan to the national team-- depending on their respective mother team's of course. That's why Arwind Santos, arguably the PBA's best two-way basketball player the last three-four years, will not wear PILIPINAS on his chest any time soon (unless he gets traded elsewhere).

So, in the name of Christmas cheer, here's our "fantasy" All-San Miguel "Gilas" basketball team which looks to be pretty stacked on all fronts (making it even more frustrating):


PG Alex Cabagnot/ L.A. Tenorio/ Mark Barroca
When he's not too busy dribbling the air off the basketball, Cabagnot is a wizard on the court. He can make every single pass in the book, can play defense and moves well laterally (side-to-side) which is something that Tenorio can't do at full speed. Of course, Tenorio has the heart and smarts to get a nod. Barroca's speed and ever improving shooting is also a plus and why he gets it over aging Jayjay Helterbrand or brick-fest, defensive pest Denok Miranda.

SG Mark Caguioa/ Chris Lutz
The reigning PBA MVP is still the league's best scorer pound-for-pound. Lutz' efficiency, mid-range game and defensive chops has been proven in the FIBAs so he takes the spot from PJ Simon as Caguioa's chief backup.

SF James Yap/ Marcio Lassiter
Can't have a national team without the PBA's "money man" Yap now can we? He's a streaky shooter who has the height to battle the international players. But really, it's Lassiter who will do more with his shooting, slashing and feisty ways. Chris Ellis' youth and athleticism will pay dividends for this team, unfortunately he is ineligible under the new FIBA rules.

PF Arwind Santos/  Marc Pingris
Santos, when motivated and no diva drama, is the best PBA player today. Like a Calvin Abueva, minus all the drama but plus all sorts of efficiency (think back to when Petron, then under head coach Ato Agustin, won the Governor's Cup behind Santos' 15 points and over 17 rebounds a night efforts). Pingris comes in as Santos' reliever as another defensive anchor who can guard various positions for this powerhouse, fantasy version of Gilas.

C Junemar Fajardo/ Joe DeVance
Unleash the Kraken! Or, if that's too insulting for you, then James Yap's bizarro doppleganger. He won't and shouldn't be asked to score, but work on defense and rebounding. He makes his free throws so that's a plus, but we'd let this team's guards take care of the offense. DeVance trumps aging Yancy de Ocampo and Dorian Pena, unproven Yousef Taha and skinny Rico Maierhofer given his ball-handling ability and shooting.

Head coach: Tim Cone
Enough said.

What do you think of San Miguel Gilas? Good enough to win?