Thoughts on Gilas - Jones Cup 2017

The Future
(Photo credit: FoxSports.Ph)

We told you that it might take a while before we returned to blogging, didn't we?

The day job (which basically extends all the way into the night) is going strong. Those who are in the know hopefully understand why we're unable to provide any updates here or on Twitter as much as before. Long story short, we didn't want to write anything that we weren't invested in 100%. We've seen a few games here and there, but nothing quite up to par that will help us form strong arguments.

Still, while we couldn't quite sit down in front of the television (literally) to break down PBA games, we simply couldn't miss out on Gilas Pilipinas' campaign in the 2017 William Jones Cup. Here are a few things that we saw, a few conclusions, commendations and a little bit of that good old cool glass of Haterade.

1. Kiefer Ravena, The PointS Guard
While Gilas head coach Chot Reyes opted to start lightning quick Jio Jalalon, they played their best with the slower, more methodical Ravena running the show. While we're still unconvinced that Ravena can keep in step with PBA-level point guards, his feel for the game is unparalleled: correct passes, great reads and just sets the table up nicely. What or where Ravena is still lacking is finding the right balance between facilitating and dominating. For the most part, Gilas did quite well when Ravena opted to put his head down and call his own number. They say he's transitioning to PG because that's what is required for him to chase his NBA dream (and maybe even against PBA competition). We say that he's too talented to be penciled in a certain position, and deferring to lesser equipped teammates would simply be a waste.

2. What now, Bobby Ray?
He was hurt in the last couple of games, but he didn't really standout when he was playing either. Didn't really look like an ABL MVP. Can't use the "unfamiliar/ adjusting to the system" card since he's been part of Gilas before. Still ultra-talented. Still on auto-pilot.

3. Matthew Wright is a beast
The sooner Coach Chot realized that Wright is head and shoulders better than the competition, the better it was for Gilas. In the first two games they had Wright ball-watching from wherever for the Dribble Drive Offense kickout pass. The last few games, they let Wright ball out. The Fil-Canadian sniper could shoot, play defense and dunk on fools. This guy's legit.

4. Worth it
Speaking of legit, the Filipino Internet basketball community's (newest) darling 6"8 Christian Standhardinger showed that he could handle the competition down low. While his offense was a bit raw, the guy was relentless down low and always had his teammates' back despite not having played with them prior to this tournament. If you ask us, this guy has the size, grit and tenacity to make it big in the PBA. Let's see how his paperwork checks out and if he's interested in playing here at all (since he has an okay career in Europe).

5. The need for multi-skilled players
The top three teams in the tournament were Canada, Lithuania and Gilas. We all know what Gilas brought to the table, and the team basically had Mike Myers muscling his way versus weaker bigs in the later stages of the 2017 Jones Cup which helped spread the floor for our shooters... but Canada and Lithuania showed us the difference that could help us make it (back) to the World Cup: versatility. Guys weren't penciled in their respective positions. When they were dared to make plays, just about all of them did. When they were dared to shoot, they delivered. Nothing fancy. Canada had a few athletes here and there, but for the most part, like Lithuania, they were polished individually. They were all well-rounded basketball players who played mostly like... wings. We all fell in love with the "3 and D" concept... but these guys were "3, D, J, lay-up, post-up, dribble the length of the court" versatile. That's what we need to have moving forward. Hopefully, Coach Chot is able to get his hands on the right tools for next tourney.

We heard that Coach Chot is already busy with forming the best FIBA Asia Cup team. If anything, we'd love for Wright to receive a call up. Andray Blatche's status is up in the air owing to security concerns, if he's not able... maybe Standhardinger could come in to support Junemar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar and Raymond Almazan?

#LabanPilipinas

#PUSO