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| #ThankYouGilas |
... and with that, Gilas Pilipinas-- from head coach Chot Reyes to the defiant and valiant captain Jimmy Alapag, is no more. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas' (SBP) President Manny V. Pangilinan announced it just recently, that we will no longer see this version of the Philippines' Men's Basketball Team lovingly called "Gilas." Others have gone on to social media to express their thoughts. Some call it a travesty, an over-reaction to the Asiad debacle. Others say that it's been a long time coming and perhaps, another camp (Team San Miguel Corporation) should take charge.
Whatever it may be, know that this is not a dark day in Philippine basketball but rather a bright one.
With Pangilinan in charge of the SBP, we do not have to worry about the program being dropped altogether. Rather, it allows those in the position to help or decide, to review, rethink and rebuild for the future.
It's not a secret as to why Team SMC was unwilling to lend their players to the national cause. That it took public outrage and clamor to force the PBA Commissioner to act and release a "one PBA player per PBA team should be made available to Gilas" mandate. Forgotten yes, for the sake of healing, moving on and focusing on FIBA Asia-- but embarrassing nonetheless.
Perhaps, now that there's no Gilas and no "love me or hate me" authority figure like Chot Reyes, the battle lines can be clearly drawn. Team SMC and Alaska had issues about how the guys running the Gilas program were reportedly trying to lure the non-Team MVP players to join their ranks in the PBA. That they were operating under a hidden agenda much to the dismay of non-Team MVP owners.
So now, with all the chips back on the table, gentlemen could start acting like gentlemen and reach some sort of agreement. After all, old school fellows who have closed their minds and hearts to the national cause could easily find themselves infamous through social media nowadays and get booted out-- so yeah, we can actually start fresh again.
Mark Barroca, James Yap, Calvin Abueva, Arwind Santos, Ian Sangalang, Sonny Thoss and Greg Slaughter.
Seven guys, top of mind, who can now quite possibly and realistically join the next PMBT.
Add those to the pool that includes a Gilas core of Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Gabe Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, Junemar Fajardo and maybe, if he's still available, Andray Blatche and you're all set for the next FIBA Asia tournament.
Head coach? Tim Cone.
#ThankYouGilas #ThankYouChot
A new day has come.
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