The Last Home Stand

In retrospect, the failed PLDT Gilas Last Home Stand was meant to raise money for charity and not simply for the enjoyment of basketball fans. Life, real life, is always bigger than basketball. The local organizers, Manny V. Pangilinan et. al., had nothing but great and meaningful intentions.

So to them, we say "thank you" and that we honestly hope that they continue with such efforts in bringing world class talent to the Philippines all for a good cause.

Were we disappointed with the outcome?

Yes, because no one really bothered to clarify that an actual 5 on 5 game was NOT going to happen. PLDT was correct in saying that they never promised a game, although they made a damn good job of teasing it with their faulty marketing exploits.

Maybe we should blame ourselves, yes, us, the Filipino basketball fantards who were spoiled with the Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant game vs the PBA and Gilas selections that we thought that: "hey, since they're bringing in about 10 to 12 NBA starters, maybe they're going to play versus our Gilas!"

Well, guess not.

Still we can't help but wonder if maybe the organizers, who were "informed at the last minute," could've salvaged the whole event.

Cancel Wednesday's game, and just do with Tuesday.

Since the NBA players can't play, then how about a showcase? Slam Dunk contest? Three point shootout? Skills challenge?

Okay, maybe the Skills Challenge is out of the question since you'll need a bunch of props, but don't tell me that you need more than a basketball and basketball ring to do a slam dunk contest with all those athletes in the SMART Araneta Coliseum?

Instead of an auction, have those in attendance get a nice, meet and greet with the NBA stars and turn the whole thing into a huge fans day? Pretty sure that even those guys who drove all the way from the North wouldn't mind not seeing an actual game if they were able to shake hands and take a photo with their favorite NBA star/s.

A lot of shoulda, woulda, couldas right there.

But perhaps the biggest disappointment lies in Gilas not being able to get the tune up that they deserve and need against elite competition.

The bulk of the NBA contingent that arrived are going to be part of the Team USA that will compete with Gilas in the coming FIBA World Cup in Spain. We could've at least seen where our guys are realistically against the favorites.

Filipinos are a forgiving bunch, and you can bank on MVP and co. to come up with something big to redeem themselves sooner rather than later.

On to Spain then.