The dream continues for an archipelago of 7,107 islands lying in the South East of Asia. After salvaging the Silver medal in last year's FIBA Asia Worlds-qualifying tournament, the Philippines -- bannered by a 12-man roster aptly called "Gilas Pilipinas" sets its sights on the FIBA Worlds to be held this 2014 in Spain.
But just how far can we dream, really?
Are we content with just making it to the global level, to see our very own do battle with foreign faces and superstars fabricated by the wonders of American television and brilliant marketing? Are we there to simply "reward" those who have "sacrificed" during the long journey back to basketball prominence even if they aren't necessarily the best AVAILABLE talent out there?
Therein lies the rub.
A year ago, we wouldn't even be having this conversation.
Simply because, Gilas Pilipinas was formed with the best AVAILABLE names on the PBA. Most of them come from their financier's, Manny V. Pangilinan's, PBA teams. Some were lent in good faith. A few were there thanks to what we would point to as simple "divine intervention."
But now that the stakes are made higher, that national interest has been piqued and the WHOLE Philippines is watching-- PBA superstars' names have suddenly been made available. There are no more talks of "One player per PBA team," no "Silent War" between Team MVP and Team San Miguel, hell, blame it on the magic of the Holidays and what not but everyone seems to be on the same page.
So.
Do you bring the whole crew and ditch the whole idea of "upgrading" (even replacing) the roster? Do you eat up the Gospel of Gary David, suffer in endless agony when he shoots 5/50 the WHOLE tournament just waiting for a miracle to happen? Somehow, it's rather doubtful if Gilas can survive force-feeding an ill-shooting David versus top-tier talent.
So do you make changes? Petron Blaze's and reigning PBA MVP Arwind Santos is going on a double-double tear. Other guys are making a case for a tryout. Hell, even Air21's Joseph Yeo is starting to look like a more serviceable option at the 2-spot over a suddenly (thanks to his continued abysmal shooting clip) one-trick pony David.
If you want to talk about making sacrifices-- wouldn't giving up your hard-earned spot on the Gilas roster for a guy who's performing a hell of a lot better than you on a consistent basis be the biggest sacrifice of them all? Like then favorite Mar Roxas sliding down and giving way to noob Noynoy Aquino for the 2010 Presidency?
We're not saying that David be replaced outright. Or any other member of the mighty 2013 FIBA Asia Silver Medalists. We're not calling for a total reboot of the roster (that would be plain stupid, because to win big you need a solid program built on continuity as proven by other countries and now, this Gilas program).
We're just simply putting it out there.
Are we just happy to be part of the Spain meet, or are we going to be "in it to win it?"
More than anything, Gilas must be given enough time to practice as a unit-free from the constraints being set forth by the PBA. A four-five month preparation for the Worlds must be prioritized (albeit sacrificing the quality of the league for a conference or two). Bring the best and most cohesive lineup in Spain. As a reward/recognition, those players who will be dropped will also join the trip.
ReplyDeleteyes david is a very good player.. but do we really need the volume kind of player in spain? i will choose casio if ever david will be replaced.
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