New breed

Green reunion at Gilas
(Photo credit: Spin.ph)

When Coach Chot Reyes said that we should be ready for a few surprises once he announces the 24-man Gilas pool, he didn't mention that we were in for a full-on youth movement altogether.

Still, he made a great point in saying that we are looking at the big picture which is 2019-2020 FIBA competition, while also utilizing some of the younger players who were part of his original Gilas silver medal program (and then some).

We are already quite familiar with the Gilas cadets and the following names such as Calvin Abueva (Alaska), Japeth Aguilar (Ginebra), Terrence Romeo (GlobalPort), Junemar Fajardo (San Miguel), Paul Lee (Star) and Jayson Castro (TNT), so here is our take on the "new guys" who were added into the mix to form a more youthful pool.

Art Dela Cruz (Blackwater)
When it was agreed upon that the PBA would lend "1 player per team," Dela Cruz was the obvious choice for Blackwater. His rookie teammate Mac Belo has blossomed into the team's new star and franchise player, but the sophomore isn't that far behind production and contribution-wise. Though he was more of a power forward in college, Dela Cruz has continued to add more facets to his game which has allowed him to step out quite a bit and play small forward. What we love about this kid is that he doesn't play like a superstar but rather, as a solid role player who just gets the job done on the court.

LA Revilla (Mahindra)
One of two surprises among Reyes' Gilas picks, Revilla has been on a tear of the PBA once he was allowed to do his thing at Mahindra. Unfortunately, the team has decided to take on a new direction this conference with star small forward Alex Mallari as its anchor, but that doesn't mean that Revilla, who is arguably the 3rd or 4th best point guard in the PBA in the last two seasons, can't get the job done. Basically, he's the next best thing if you're looking for an L.A. Tenorio/ Jimmy Alapag kind of point guard who can pass, create and shoot when needed.

Jonathan Grey (Meralco)
What a freaking feel good story: walk-in tryout for college varsity, worked his ass off to get noticed, wasn't allowed to join the PBA Draft initially, was not included in the Gilas Cadets pool that was given a "free pass" to the PBA but hey, whatever. Grey's in! Grey's in! This kid can ball despite the lack of athleticism and starpower. Honestly, whenever we watch him play, you'd think he'd be turnover prone or something but he almost, always gets in the right spots that make him look crazy efficient on the court. We're not saying he can overtake Paul Lee or Terrence Romeo at SG, but he's definitely a solid pick to be developed for the future.

Bradwyn Guinto (NLEX)
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao's newest pet project is now also part of the Gilas program which will undoubtedly speed up the learning curve. Guinto is rock solid in the post and what he lacks in polished offense, he makes up for with activity and a willingness to hit and get hit.
Norbert Torres (Phoenix)
Surprise number two. Really. We are just as surprised as you are that JC Intal wasn't picked and it was Torres, who has been having trouble finding a niche in the PBA, who was included in the Gilas pool. Skills-wise, Torres has range. But he needs to be set-up properly. He doesn't have a lot of post-up game to him. Doesn't really rebound the basketball as hard... BUT.. he can move his feet on the pick and roll defense. This, IMHO, is what helped him (and Arnold Van Opstal who is also in the Gilas pool) control UST's import Kareem Abdul in the UAAP Finals en route to the championship. We don't really have high hopes for Torres, but if Coach Chot can maybe give him a specific role on the court, like crash the boards and set sturdy screens, he'd be a solid choice for the Asian Games or other slightly lesser/ pocket tournaments.

Raymond Almazan (Rain or Shine)
This guy should've been on the Tab Baldwin team but he had to beg off. He can run, rebound, defend, block shots AND nail three pointers. Now that Ranidel de Ocampo and Marc Pingris are gone, Almazan will be relied upon to be that "energy big guy" who can cover for his superstar, high-scoring teammates. And you know what? That's a role that fits him just well.

Your thoughts? @kilikilishot on Twitter! Holler at your boy!