Are you not entertained?

Better yet, "are you still not impressed?"

Mr. President

Gilas Pilipinas, from head coach Chot Reyes to captain Jimmy Alapag all the way down to the designated ball boy appear to have heard the cries of disgruntled Filipino hoops fans (us included) after their subpar FIBA Asia debut. Tonight, we were treated to the brand of basketball that we've come to know this incarnation of the country's Men's basketball team. The one that kept clawing back from the hands of a possible defeat en route to the Jones Cup title a year back. The one that we've bought into, trusting that they have the best shot as any to make the medal rounds and even book a ticket to Spain.

Going into their second game in as many nights, Gilas started a bit sluggish. Adjustments were made by Coach Reyes but the Jordanians kept on drilling three after three right on our mugs despite a decent defensive stand. Gary David (who was given the greenlight to start the game) once again struggled from the field; making all the hype about him due for a breakout game have to wait for another day.

But then came in Gabriel Daniel Norwood. A guy that we've come to love/ hate because of his inconsistencies despite being fully capable of dominating a single game without scoring in the 20s. Tonight, Norwood was tasked to try and stop Jordanian import Jimmy Baxter-- and stop him he did. Norwood was all over the guy, showing as much defensive intensity like never before that you'd think that he exchanged souls with Gilas teammate Marc Pingris. Everywhere Baxter went, Norwood was right there. All the shots were challenged, all the hustle plays made and even kickout passes were tipped or tapped elsewhere to the waiting hands of one of his Filipino brethren.

Not to be outdone, L.A. Tenorio more than held his own despite another shaky offensive performance. Tenorio fought through a bunch of screens to keep in step with the streaky Jordanian point guard Al Sous-- who is as old school (re: magulang) as our very own, Living Legend Sonny Jaworski (who was part of tonight's MOA Arena crowd).

Once the defensive tone was set, the offense started to come in. Ranidel de Ocampo kept us afloat with his long range snipings, then Jayson Castro "woke up" and finally kept on blitzing his way to the rim like a Derrick Rose clone. Finally, and to really push us ahead, came Jeffrei Chan's breakout game.

Tonight, Coach Reyes opted to play some guys longer than the rest- Norwood being one, followed by Castro, De Ocampo and Marcus Douthit. We didn't see enough from Marc Pingris, which we feel is a good thing as to not over extend the hard working forward as much. Also, Japeth Aguilar (who didn't play the entire first half) came in at the right time in the second half to drill in some shots and mix it up. We love where Gilas is going with this, because Aguilar has finally accepted his role as a help defender and rebounder and not really looking for lazy outlet passes and lobs all the time.

We're still not a fan of him biting into every Gosh darn pump fake but hey, we'll let it fly for now.

It should also be noted that we didn't go to Douthit as much despite reports saying otherwise. This team isn't like the JVee Casio-Chris Tiu era wherein Douthit had to carry the brunt of the offense. Scoring's spread out, guys are willing to move the ball (a bit too much in some cases even) and helping each other on the boards.

Who knows if we can get another all-around A game from Norwood in this tournament. All we know is that we're at a great 2-0 and could finish the first round undefeated (hopefully we don't jinx it).

P.S.

We are calling a truce on any and all (constructive) criticisms on Norwood (because the dude IS a great guy, although we Rain or Shine fans wouldn't mind him playing this way over in the PBA). We are also going to put any venom spewed Japeth Aguilar's way (for now).

One country, one dream folks.