Gilas Pilipinas gears up for FIBA Asia Cup

Gilas call-up after 
Year of redemption for JWash

If we are to be taken seriously by other countries as a resurging basketball power, then we should move on from last year's inspiring silver medal finish in the FIBA Asia Championship Cup (which is also the last of its kind in terms of being a FIBA World Cup Qualifier).

It begins with consistency, and we're not talking about finishing 3rd or 4th time and again. We're talking gold or silver at worst for Gilas Pilipinas or whichever incarnation of the country's men's basketball team follows suit. Iran is definitely a lock, China has been having some coaching and personnel problems but they'll always be there. From the third spot down, it's an open field.

For the coming FIBA Asia Cup in Wuhan, China in July 11 to 19, Gilas head coach Chot Reyes has opted to bring in some of his pool players/ new recruits in an effort to keep his cards close to his chest and keep his core guys well rested.

The holdovers are Ranidel De Ocampo, LA Tenorio, Gary David, Japeth Aguilar, June Mar Fajardo and naturalized center Marcus Douthit (in what might be his last tour of duty should NBA center Andray Blatche suit up in the FIBA World Cup). Out from the 2013 Silver Medal team are Gabe Norwood, Marc Pingris, Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier and Jeff Chan.

In their places are:

Beau Belga, C
The 13th man of the 2013 champion team is finally going to be able to strut his wares against FIBA competition. Though we're not entirely sold on the idea that he'll get heavy minutes (with de Ocampo, Aguilar, Douthit, Fajardo all on the roster). Should be fun since Belga brings a lot of the intangibles at the power forward/ center position, also, Coach Chot can be a little creative and slide Aguilar, de Ocampo and or new recruit Washington all at the 3 spot).

Jared Dillinger, SF
Had Dillinger not been hurt in an accident that no one dares speak of, he'd be a definite shoo-in on last year's FIBA Asia Championship team. He has the offensive style and range perfect for the international 2 guard and small forward positions while being a rather pesky defender on the other end. Why he isn't a legit PBA superstar yet remains to be seen, but if there's anyone who deserves a second look for the World Cup, it's Dillinger.

Kevin Alas, PG
Jayson Castro is out? No worries, Alas is just as quick on the ball and daresay even more potent range-wise (though not as strong) as Castro. If Coach Chot needs firepower off the bench who can create for himself and break down defenses, the future 2014 PBA first round pick is more than able to carry the scoring burden.

Garvo Lanete, SG
A textbook shotmaker who is actually a veteran of the Gilas program as compared to peer Alas. Lanete is built like a PBA 2 guard and has proven more than capable to knock down threes anywhere on the floor despite the improved competition. His handles are still shaky as well as his decision making, but with Larry Fonacier and Jeffrei Chan getting free passes this tournament, shooters like Lanete will have a field day.

Jay Washington, PF
So we can't have Arwind Santos on Gilas huh? No problem, we'll settle for someone taller who has been playing much like the reigning PBA MVP. Though Washington has slowed down a bit due to injuries, he is still an elite wing man who can slide from 3 to 4 given his 6"7 athletic frame. Should be interesting to see if he can adapt to Coach Chot's dribble drive offense and where he plays effectively.

Paul Lee, PG
Lee is everything you want from your point guard - a heady, crafty veteran who everyone follows on the court simply because he has this air of confidence in him. And when push comes to shove, he has absolutely no qualms about calling his own number and taking matters in his own hands if it ensures a W. His size, range, explosiveness (not quickness) and street ball smarts will come in handy against the equally crafty guards of the Middle Eastern teams and the bulkier guards of Korea and Chinese Taipei.

Based on the available talent, we have no problems whatsoever with Coach Chot's picks. Some guys might have deserved a look (Cliff Hodge as an energy guy) but in the end they went with those who will be able to excel in or are familiar with the system.

Now comes the challenge, will this team be able to duplicate Gilas 2013's success? First game will be against Chinese Taipei which has always proven to be a bit of a challenge. What shape will Douthit be in? Will the guys playing in the PBA Finals (Lee, Belga) be fresh enough and ready for this run?

In it to win it.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!