If only... fantasy Gilas Pilipinas

While our hard-fighting Gilas Pilipinas team was battling it out against the much heralded Croatian team, a familiar face was watching the game live from the stands. A face, that has become the ticket meal of the entire PBA the last few years, the iconic face that belongs to one James Carlos Yap.

Two-time PBA Most Valuable Player, recently crowned grand slam champion.

Unfortunately, he wasn't on the hard court helping the national cause. No, he had to buy a ticket to the game much like every one else in attendance. You could defend his or his management's decision all you want, but we here live by one simple rule: if you're going to battle the best, then you have to send your very best.

Yap and his 2x PBA MVP award is proof that he definitely belongs on Gilas.


Without trying to make or cause any drama, here's an alternate Gilas Pilipinas that could've easily played in Spain. If only the country's basketball powerhouses could've reached some sort of agreement. If only some circles didn't have their own agendas going into the negotiating table.

PG Jimmy Alapag
SG James Yap
SF Gabe Norwood
PF Sonny Thoss
C Andray Blatche

PG Jayson Castro
SG PJ Simon
SF Arwind Santos
PF Ranidel de Ocampo
C Junemar Fajardo

C Greg Slaughter
PG Paul Lee

We could've had that kind of team had everything gone the national cause's way. You could throw in a Chris Lutz or Marcio Lassiter in there for Simon or Lee, or even opt to include now national hero Marc Pingris for all that he has done and continues to do for flag and country.

Hopefully, whatever happens in the FIBA World Cup, this becomes an eye opener for every one. That we can compete with the World's Best with the guys that we sent-- what more if we actually sent the so called "best?" What more if PBA teams made the ultimate sacrifice and choose to not win a grand slam and instead, send their best guys overseas for real, global pride and glory?

We can only hope.