We dream of Gilas Pilipinas

Best two-way player in the PBA
the last 3 years needs to be
on Gilas Pilipinas

A few days ago PBA Commissioner Chito Salud made it clear that the league is throwing its all-out support to the men's basketball program. With that, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes pretty much has a free hand on building the best team possible in time for the FIBA Asia tournament to be held in Manila this August.

The obvious concession in exchange of getting the right players is of course the "dropping" of the SMART sponsorship from the team name (which shouldn't even be an issue since they are the ones who are bankrolling the damn thing just like San Miguel does for Spain and Visa does for Argentina). Now that that issue has been addressed, we should all focus on the task at hand.


Everything starts with building the best basketball team possible. Salud went as far as suggesting that each PBA team be represented in the new Gilas team which, given the surplus of talent at hand, is readily acceptable. But, we're drawing a line here since we need (and we're sure Coach Chot would agree) a core from the old Gilas teams or even those from Coach Chot's old team Talk 'n' Text just for the familiarity with the system.

Under the Official Basketball Rules 2012 as approved by FIBA (you can download it from their site like we did- yes, we're nerdy like that) teams are to be made up of 12 players including the captain.

Our core players are reinforcement Marcus Douthit, versatile "Euro" big Ranidel de Ocampo, attack guard Jayson Castro and sniper Larry Fonacier. That gives us nine more guys to name and pull from the PBA teams. The rules are simple, "One Representative Per Team" here's our picks:

PG L.A. Tenorio (Ginebra)
It was a toss up between 2012 Jones Cup MVP and the guy he was traded for this season, Alaska's heady and clutch point guard JVee Casio. Can't go wrong either way, with Tenorio having the slight advantage when it comes to breaking down opponents off the dribble. That, plus there's another guy on the Alaska roster that fits the needs of this team even more.

SG Gary David (Global Port)
David is the new Chris Tiu in terms of being the hard-working, "whatever it takes" soldier for Gilas Pilipinas only more explosive. Despite being in the late 30s, David's dedication to his craft is almost unparalleled. We all know that he can hit the long ones, but David's value comes into play when the bigger, Middle Eastern teams force us to play in the half court sets owing to David's under-rated midrange pull up jumpshots.

SF Arwind Santos (Petron)
We're not looking for Santos to shoot threes and follow the ball to the rim in hopes of getting offensive rebounds. We're looking for the hard-nosed FEU-version of the Petron stalwart to be our defensive anchor at the wing position. The last time he played for the National Team, he was too busy trying to get a tryout from international scouts. Now, we just want him to play his game, the numbers will follow.

PF Marc Pingris (San Mig Coffee)
Since we went with Ranidel de Ocampo for our core group, that leaves out versatile 6"7 wing Kelly Williams. Well, whatever Williams can do, Pingris can-- relentlessly. He'll be under sized at his natural power forward position, but we will never doubt Pingris' heart and hustle. Really, the guy plays the same way in the first and last minutes of every game he's even played in. Tenacious, hungry and out to prove his worth on the court. The offense will be shaky at best, but it's on the defensive end where Pingris will prove to be invaluable.

C Sonny Thoss (Alaska)
The guy we picked over bringing in Casio and even monster rookie Calvin Abueva. While he may play very lethargic at times and unwilling to scrap and claw his way to rebounds, Thoss is still the prototype big in the PBA today. He has decent post moves, good size, footwork and knows how to position himself around the basket. Another asset of Thoss' is his soft touch from 15 feet in.

SF Nino Canaleta (Air21)
Our original choice to bring in was point guard Mike Cortez, but we already have a better choice with Castro on the roster and Tenorio as his back-up. Then there's 6"7 Nonoy Baclao, but the guy is still trying to get back to game shape (how long have we been saying this now?) and isn't as mobile as he once was (again, the issue of being in game shape-- he tried to bulk up for life in the PBA which hurt his biggest strength-- his defensive mobility). So we'll stick it out with sweet-shooting Canaleta. He's a legit 6"6 long range shooter who is currently excelling with the Cadet team because all he has to do is get himself open from deep and wait for the kick-out pass.

SF Gabe Norwood (Rain or Shine) 
We don't care how miserable he looked in the recent PBA Philippine Cup Finals. When it comes to the international scene, it's almost like we are being treated to a different kind of Norwood-- you know, the player we actually want him to be (because we can see it in PBA games but only in flashes). The fearless, all out swag point guard who has confidence be it in calling plays, driving HARD to the rim or even knocking down pull up jumpers. His defense is also a joy to watch. Picture Norwood running the point and Canaleta waiting for the 3-- 6"5 point guard to 6"6 shooting guard folks (wow).

PF Doug Kramer (Barako Bull)
It remains a complete mystery to us why Kramer has never been on the Gilas radar despite his now two-season run of consistent boardwork and enforcing. When Coach Chot Reyes went with Rico Villanueva the last time out, we understood that he needed an enforcer to take care of the dirty work and protect the rest the same way Udonis Haslem would give anyone who tries to pin down Dwyane Wade the business. Well, Villanueva's out with an injury so why not get another burly 6"5 guy who is just as strong but with better range? Kramer would be the perfect complement to both Douthit and De Ocampo since he can play the high post and just drill jumper after jumper when defenders sag off him.

Meralco - PASS
Just because Sol Mercado is barred from playing for the Philippines because of FIBA's new eligibility rules (ditto with Cliff Hodge, Chris Ellis, and any Fil-foreigner you might bat for and crucify us for not adding into the team).

If we could, we'll throw in Talk 'n' Text's Ryan Reyes and his puppy-dog eyes yet pitbull like defense in there just for kicks. You just know that our guards (Castro and Reyes) won't get bullied or pushed around by anyone be it Chinese, Koreans or even the Middle Easterners.

Which players would you pick from the 10 PBA teams and who will be your 2 core guys from the old Gilas?