[FIBA] Gilas loses to Jordan, Wins over Filipino fans

Photo: GMA News Online

What a second game for the revamped Gilas.

Gilas started off against the visiting Jordanian national team on the wrong foot, missing shots and defensive assignments-- a stark contrast to their impressive debut over a depleted Lebanon side. The visitors kept beating our guards to the rim, leaving 6x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo all by his lonesome on the receiving end of foul calls.

Things were getting so out of hand, that the home team found itself down by as much as 25 points, Fajardo in foul trouble, and none of our guards able to keep in step with Jordanian stars import Dar Tucker and point guard Freddy Ibrahim. But just when all seemed lost, the rest of the Filipino basketball community that are (surprisingly) not Ginebra fans, all got the 'Justin Brownlee experience' also comically known as 'Asa Kay Brownlee" on social media circles.

It's not that Brownlee selfishly took matters to his own hands, but that the team quickly recognized that the Jordanians were a bit faster and stronger on the court. They also ran a lot of ball screens, which made it very difficult for our locals to keep in step, play defense AND score the basketball. And so, some concessions were made. Brownlee focused on offense while Scottie Thompson et. al. buckled down on defense.

With Brownlee taking care of the offense and Gilas locking up on the defensive side, we were able to erase the 25 point deficit by the 4th quarter.

We had three-four opportunities to seize the lead, stuck at 91-90 with 51 seconds to go. Thompson got us an extra possession with an impressive rebound over the Jordanian wall following back-to-back bricks by Dwight Ramos and Brownlee. Unfortunately, he missed both free throws which could have been due to both physical and mental fatigue. There was a last-ditch, beautiful, spin jump shot by the usually reliable Ray Ray Parks, Jr., but even that just would not sink in our favor.

So, what does this entail for Gilas?

For one, we have a team that is young, ultra athletic, and can actually play defense. Not that the previous teams couldn't, but it really did feel that we were missing a few pieces here and there to use when forced to switch, which is a necessity in the pick-and-whatever evolving global game.

We played small ball, moreso because Fajardo was forced into foul trouble early. There were still some issues regarding our perimeter defense, but everything appeared to be addressed in the 2nd half of this game where guys were really switching and trapping. Honestly, the defensive effort in the 2nd half of the Jordan game was probably the best defense we've seen from this team since Ginebra coach Tim Cone was added into the bench mob.

Guys like Thompson and Jamie Malonzo have probably punched in their tickets to the World Cup. Pretty sure CJ Perez would be added in considering how he could get into the lane at will (finishing is another story). The B-leaguers; Ramos, Parks, Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, are most likely shoo-ins given their overall experience and chemistry together. They have all added into their games, and look to be more comfortable as plug-and-play utility pieces. Whatever Coach Chot Reyes needs, the four are able to be called upon given how long they've been playing for Gilas, and together.

Now the question here is, do we continue with Brownlee, or look to add Jordan Clarkson?

Honestly, Gilas looked more comfortable with Brownlee in both games. But that's more likely to the familiarity with everyone around him. It also helps that the point guard- Thompson, knows his tendencies, when and where to find him.

Clarkson, he's an asset. He's a legitimate NBA player who can explode for 30 points vs elite defenders on any given night (as he has been doing this season with the Utah Jazz). The question here is, can he be relied on to 1 play all out and 2 is he fully invested with Gilas?

Another unpopular take here is, do we really go for Brownlee or Clarkson? Or can we still add, say, a 6"11 reinforcement by way of a modern day Andre Blatche? Specially now that we are starting to get feelers from Kai Sotto's new management that, maybe, they'd like to focus on the NOW and really get into the NBA.

Nothing wrong with that, but nothing wrong with Chot Reyes and the SBP doing their homework and looking for options.

It's a great time to be a Gilas fan yet again! Let's enjoy the ride!

Laban Pilipinas!