Gilas Pilipinas: The Specialist

Photo courtesy of interaksyon.com

Name one basketball skill and chances are Larry Fonacier's probably performed it in one of the many stops in his decorated and multi-titled basketball career.

Shoot from the outside? Hit clutch baskets? Jumpshot? Layup left hand? Layup right hand? Use the glass? Stop and pop? Pick and roll? Pick and pop? Teardrop?

Check.



Play lock down defense? Play team defense?

Check.

Truth be told, Fonacier is our generation's Bong Ravena. A guy that seems to excel in so many things, that not one skill truly stands out to help him establish himself as a legit PBA superstar. Fonacier looks like a basketball player, he plays like a basketball player, but he has no qualms about accepting a specific role in his team. We saw glimpses of Fonacier as the "Man" back with Red Bull and even at times over at Talk 'n' Text, but we also see him being at ease with a reduced role, coming off the bench and just doing what is necessary to help his team win.

We would've argued that Fonacier is actually a bit like Jojo Lastimosa, but Lastimosa established his name early in the amateurs as a high flying Cebuano before progressing into a cold-blooded clutch shooter late in his career.

Come FIBA Asia time, Fonacier will be one of Gilas Pilipinas' head coach Chot Reyes' more bankable stars on the roster. He'll provide offense when guys like L.A. Tenorio and Gary David start shooting blanks, he'll be the stretch backcourt defender at times to supplant Gabe Norwood and he could also provide the outside bombing Gilas needs to stay competitive throughout the tournament.

We trust Coach Chot. We trust Gilas. But when push comes to shove, you can always, ALWAYS #CountOnLarry