Golden Gilas

Photo: Rappler.com

The Philippines' men's basketball team finally did it. We brought home the Gold Medal in the 2023 Asian Games, our first since 1962, and our first medal finish in basketball since 1998.

And even before we set foot on the hardcourt, we were already met with the following challenges:

A roster that was constructed and finalized with only days left before the tournament. A coach who took on the job despite having such a short turnaround time (following his predecessor's resignation) and only a handful of players available from the World Cup roster. So-called veteran sports journalists and columnists throwing salt at the team and spreading rumors of a pullout and a 'new coach' in the background.

Once in China, we won two games while losing via a blowout to eventual Gold medal match dance partners, Rondae Hollis Jefferson and the Jordan men's basketball team. There were chemistry issues, some rotation, and offensive sets that looked lacking-- obviously from a lack of preparation and time together. But the team kept pushing forward, kept hustling. There was a blown 20-point lead versus Iran. And there was the huge 20-point comeback versus hosts China.

Oh, that China match was one for the books.

[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.

[FIBA] Win For All; Gilas 2023 triumphs over Lebanon

Photo: philstar.com

"Win For All."

The new FIBA World Cup tagline couldn't be any more fitting to our very own Gilas men's national basketball team, from having to go through so much off-court drama and uncertainties the last few years to finally appear to have a united front thanks to the 100% buy-in of the San Miguel group.

Because let us all be honest here, there are two basketball powerhouses in the country, be it on the professional or collegiate levels: the mighty San Miguel (SMC) and the MVP squad, which has been funding Gilas for the last decade or so. And though they may not openly say it, they are indeed the fiercest of rivals, so much so that making in-house talent (players and coaches) available wasn't always the easiest of tasks to accomplish.

That is until something magical happened last year. First, more San Miguel contracted players were made available to Gilas. Next, the group's crown jewel of a tactician, Barangay Ginebra's Tim Cone, was allowed to serve as consultant/ strategist for Gilas coach Chot Reyes. This, after the unceremonious exit of Tab Baldwin a few months prior, was nothing short of disastrous in terms of all things Gilas.

No Drama

Jordan Clarkson, Pilipinas # 6
(Photo courtesy of Rappler.com)

Save for the pre-Asian Games run wherein it really felt like boardroom nerds just had to get themselves in the limelight somehow, this current edition and run of the Philippines' men's basketball team is exactly how we want our team: no frills, no TV specials (until after the job is done) and definitely no other name or brand but PILIPINAS shining through.

A no frills coach who surprisingly has been off-television character, saying all the right things and keeping most of his thoughts to himself. A team that has been forged by fire, reinforced by players with no hidden agendas (like a wishful thinking of maybe there are NBA scouts watching and that this could be their shot at the big time). And the whole PBA, suddenly in unison after their dirty laundry was brought out in the open (by design or not), united for a cause.

So please forgive us, SMART, Chooks-to-go, and whichever brand wants to be plastered on the jerseys.

FIBA Asia Cup: Cursed

Not enough
(Photo credit: FIBA.com)

Against the South Korean men's basketball team, our Gilas Pilipinas (then, now... and the good Lord Almighty forbid, forever) appears to be cursed. There is just no other way to explain it.

We had a solid outing, our team shot 45% from the field, 44% from deep. We had 15 turnovers, sure, but that is still quite a respectable number when the opponent committed only three less. But what the hell- they shot 67% the entire night.

They shot 76% from three point territory, missing all but five of their 21 attempts. This was God's way of telling Magoo Marjon and friends to quit yapping about the whole "and the curse of Korea is about to be broken!" This was the Korean's way of telling us "that was 2013, this is 2017, get with the program."

FIBA Asia Cup: Thoughts on Gilas 3-0 start

PUSO

Three to nil.

Those are three wins over China, Iraq and Qatar in what was deemed by FIBA as the "group of death." Fortunately for us; China missed a few key players (though we were also without 3x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo AND naturalized reinforcement Andray Blatche), Iraq's still developing its young basketball program while Qatar is rebuilding.

We are not trying to take anything away from our Gilas team, because they fought tooth and nail for each one of those three victories. We are just saying that for the time being, it appears that the stars are aligning to our favor after years of heartbreak and close shaves.


First, let us all thank Chot Reyes for coming back and spearheading this program. He could've walked away and kept to his corporate role. He could've said "no thanks" after all the (unwarranted) backlash the last time he coached Gilas.

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.

#ManokNgBayan

Photo credit: Inquirer.net

Following today's PBA All Star game featuring the Luzon All Stars vs Gilas Pilipinas selection; Gilas head coach Chot Reyes finally named his SEABA 12 man line-up which will defend homecourt this coming May 12 to 18.

The 12 men are: Calvin Abueva, Japeth Aguilar, Raymond Almazan, Andray Blatche, Junemar Fajardo, Jio Jalalon, Allein Maliksi, RR Pogoy, Terrence Romeo, Troy Rosario, Jayson Castro William and Matthew Wright.

Honestly, we love this nice mix of youth, spunk and skill, moving forward. There were a lot of question marks surrounding some of the names that were included in the pool-- primarily because Gilas was "limited" by the "1 player per PBA team" mandate, but Coach Chot was still able to form what we feel is quite a competitive line-up that can even go as far as competing in the next FIBA tournament.

Homecourt advantage

Dream BIG.
(Photo credit: smartgilasbasketball.com)

The dream has become so much bigger than simply ruling the South East Asian region. The dream is now to conquer Asia in hopes of making it into the global basketball conversation.

Call the upcoming SEABA tournament slated from May 12 to 18 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum as phase one.

We already know who is part of the 24-man Gilas pool:

The Cadets, who are mandated to suit up:
1. Carl Bryan Cruz (Alaska)
2. Kevin Ferrer (Ginebra)
3. Mac Belo (Blackwater)
4. Von Pessumal (Globalport)
5. Russel Escoto (Mahindra)
6. Ed Daquioag (Meralco)
7. Alfonzo Gotladera (NLEX)
8. Matthew Wright (Phoenix)
9. Mike Tolomia (Rain or Shine)
10. Arnold Van Opstal (San Miguel)
11. Jio Jalalon (Star)
12. RR Pogoy (TNT)

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.

Gilas 24-man pool announced

Here comes the BOOM
(Photo credit: slamonline.ph)

After today's Alaska Aces vs Mahindra Floodbusters game which the Aces won, Coach Chot Reyes and some of the SBP and PBA big wigs took to the PhilSports Arena hardcourt to announce the 24-man Gilas pool:

Already assured of spots were the Gilas cadets, as per the previous agreement:

Gilas cadets

Carl Bryan Cruz (Alaska)
Kevin Ferrer (Ginebra)
Mac Belo (Blackwater)
Von Pessumal (Globalport)
Russel Escoto (Mahindra)
Ed Daquioag (Meralco)
Alfonzo Gotladera (NLEX)
Matthew Wright (Phoenix)
Mike Tolomia (Rain or Shine)
Arnold Van Opstal (San Miguel)
Jio Jalalon (Star)
RR Pogoy (TNT)

KKS reaction: Chris Lutz to Meralco

Lutz to Meralco
(Photo credit Philstar.com)

From Beerman to Bolt.

After being relegated to the Unrestricted Free Agent list by mother team San Miguel Beermen, 6"3 guard Chris Lutz has been picked up the Meralco Bolts.

This is big news, considering that two rival corporate umbrellas were involved PLUS the fact that Lutz is the Beermen's original Gilas 1 pick from the 2011 PBA Draft. Career-wise, Lutz averaged 25mpg 8ppg 3rpg 3apg though his numbers have gone downhill from 2011 up to 2016.

Homecoming

Welcome home.
(Photo credit to the owner)

Though it may have taken a while, and may even only be temporary, but for the time-being 2x UAAP MVP and NBA hopeful RayRay Parks is finally “home.”

Home to strut his wares for neophyte Alab Pilipinas in the coming ASEAN Basketball League season; home to showcase just how far he has grown as a basketball talent and person; home to prove all of his critics and those he deem as “haters” wrong.

Parks will be joining an Alab team that badly needs his starpower, though it is not exactly lacking in terms of talent or firepower. Joining him are Paulo Hubalde, JR Cawaling, Robby Celiz, Jeric Fortuna, Anthony Gavieres, Jens Knuttel, Jovet Mendoza, Val Acuna, Hans Thiele and imports: (ASEAN) Laurence Domingo, Igee King, (World) Lee Sueng Jun and Lee Dong Jun.

The 2016 PBA Special and Regular Mock Draft

Get Belo-fied
(Photo credit: interaksyon.com)

Ugh.

The Gilas boys need to come out with red dots on their foreheads. Green for the regulars. Siopao-style.

Special thanks to ABS CBN Sports for the Draft order, as per this report >>> click here.

1 Blackwater - Mac Belo, SF
Arguably the most sound Gilas player to date be it on offense or defense. Though he is not a go-to-guy per se, Belo almost, always ends up being his team's leading scorer (and rebounder) by sheer hard work and simply working efficiently without the basketball. If you were to compare him to any current PBA player, then the guy his game closely resembles is that of TNT's incoming sophomore Troy Rosario-- only with a better dribble game. Belo works the glass relentlessly, has a pocket set-shot from 15 feet and out, and best of all can put the ball on the floor on the pick and roll which makes him an even bigger threat than Rosario. We honestly like what Blackwater is looking at here, since they will be able to parade a blue chip foursome of Roi Sumang, Carlo Lastimosa, Art dela Cruz and Belo right away, with the center position hopefully addressed in the later conferences (via an import).

The Revival

Calling the shots
(Photo credit: Inquirer.net)

We owe TNT Katropa head coach Jong Uichico an apology.

For a while there, when Coach Jong appeared to be running everything through Jayson Castro reminiscent of how his mentor Ron Jacobs rode “Da Bull” Nelson Asaytono in the late 90s at San Miguel, we started to believe that this guy was nothing more than a relic. A relic who insists on running outdated hero/ isolation plays in an ever-evolving sport of spread-out offenses and taller three-point specialists.

What made it even worse is that, he seemed to be changing the philosophies and culture of the very team that pioneered and mastered this new, Euro-style of play in the PBA.

Again, we owe him an apology.

Di ka nagkulang.

Still The Beast
(Photo credit: cnnphilippines.com)

Hindi niyo ako masisisi kung isa ako sa nalungkot sa balitang hindi nasali si Calvin Abueva sa Gilas Pilipinas 12 na lalahok sa FIBA Olympic Qualifiers nitong Hulyo.

Matagal na akong fan ni Abueva, mula nung nag ingay siya sa NCAA bilang rebounder/ energy guy para sa San Sebastian Stags. Hindi siya ang bida noon, si Jimbo Aquino pa. Isang linggo inaya ako nung mga dati kong katrabaho na Team B ng Stags parehas nung nag aaral pa sila para maglaro sa skwela nila. Sabi ko, wala akong laro kundi rumebound, depensa, at paminsan minsang jumpshot. Sabi nila, ayos na yun. Tumira na lang ako sa labas, sila naman yung sa ilalim talaga.

Sempre, bilang ang laro ko talaga e wing noong high school (nasira na laro ko noong college alak, babae, aral-- mostly babae), game ako. So sumama ako. Di nila sinabi na mga Team B din pala kalaro nila. Na yung mga alumni magdadatingan. So nakilaro ako ng isang game full court. Ganda ng court sa Baste ung sa taas ng isang building doon. Maya maya, 2nd game na, may dumating, kasing laki ko lang pero batak. Si Abueva daw. E hindi pa ko nanonood ng NC noon (sino ba nanonood at that time), siguro mga tatlong baba lang sa court, nag pa sub out na ako.

#ThankYouKuyaMarcus

Gilas I is Douthit
(Photo credit to PhilStar.com)

For all the on and off court success enjoyed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas' Gilas men's basketball program, we wouldn't fault the casual fan if they thought that it has always been this way form the very start.

Because quite honestly, it wasn't.

It took the addition of 6"11 US NCAA Division 1 standout Marcus Douthit of the Providence College Friars to get the program going from "just another basketball team" to "Asian basketball powerhouse" somewhere around 2009 to 2010.

See, the Gilas program was initially meant to do away with hastily forming a PBA All Star team whenever an international meet would come up. Most of the players who signed up for the program were fresh out of college: Mark Barroca, JVee Casio, Dylan Ababou, Mac Baracael and Chris Tiu. They then added some more names such as Japeth Aguilar, Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz, but overall they were a bunch of snot-nosed college kids being asked to reclaim Asian basketball supremacy for the Philippines-- even if they were coached by Serbian Rajko Toroman.

Quite the tall order, really.

For flag and country

Against all odds
(Photo credit to the owner)

While we do not condone the actions of those who begged off from being part of the Gilas 3 men's basketball team, we cannot and will not crucify them for it either

As we have previously mentioned, we will just keep moving forward with the names that we have. From top to bottom, "PBA wish list" aside, we are looking at Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, Gary David, Dondon Hontiveros, Matt Rosser, Calvin Abueva, Gabe Norwood, JC Intal, Ranidel de Ocampo, Troy Rosario, Moala Tautuaa, Aldrech Ramos, Sonny Thoss, Asi Taulava and Andray Blatche.

You could throw in retired/unretired Jimmy Alapag, and you are looking at 16 proud and willing basketball players who should be celebrated rather than questioned.

Oh Captain, Our Captain

The Mighty Mouse Returns
(Photo credit: Sports5.ph)

Even with news of his "un-retirement" making most of the local sports headlines, we will remain adamant  in our belief that there is not a single thing that Jimmy Alapag, retired Talk'n'Text Tropang Texter and soon to be Meralco Bolts point guard for 2015-2016, could ever do that would change our opinion of him as being one of the best point guards in the history of Philippine basketball.

He could slit a little puppy's throat in front of a bunch of toddlers, right now, and we'll still be like: "still one of the best point guards in the history of Philippine basketball" (although we sincerely hope that Alapag doesn't get any ideas with us saying that BTW).

So why did Alapag decide to unretire and lace up his sneakers after all the ceremonies and festivities January of this year? Why on earth would you give up a managerial position, to lead one of the league's best teams that require little to no rebuilding at the moment, to go back and be "one of the boys?"

Waiting for Gilas 3

What is head coach Tab Baldwin and everyone else from Gilas Pilipinas waiting for? Where is the pool of available PBA players? Why are we not hearing of any practices, tune-up games and pocket tournaments while the rest of Asia is busy with the very same things? Will Andray Blatche be able to suit up, CBA contract and all?

As we write this piece, we have come to the realization that perhaps the focus of Gilas 3 should be to simply outscore opponents rather than trying to find the right balance between offense and defense. Don't get us wrong, we're not trying to sell you on the idea of abandoning defense altogether, we're just saying that perhaps we should go for broke and maximize our scoring prowess rather than always trying to match-up to our opponents.

Instead of bringing in two way players who are average on offense and defense but acceptable for both, why not bring in prime offensive weapons instead? No matter how you put it, basketball it still decided by the team that is able to score more than his opponent. Fact.