Because one of our readers asked/suggested/demanded that we should hear their ideas out and discuss certain issues instead of just picking topics by ourselves, here is the first official instalment of #AskKKS.
@PBALOL asked the following:
Win FIBA Asia Gold.
Seriously, if we are talking about what head coach Tab Baldwin and his Gilas 3 will need to accomplish to surpass Gilas 2... well then, it would have to be this very tall order which is definitely a lot easier said than done.
Showing posts with label Chot Reyes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chot Reyes. Show all posts
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Saturday, April 18, 2015
KKS Gilas 26 man pool
The Face of the PBA but not of Gilas? Why? (Photo credits to the owner) |
We love this low-key approach, since it doesn't put any pressure on the already strained relationship between Team MVP and Team SMC (and even the other "independent" teams). It should be remembered that Coach Chot went to the media to air his side: on how hard it was for him to attain the services of some Team SMC players which put those under that umbrella in a bad light. Sometimes airing your dirty laundry out works, sometimes it doesn't.
It is what it is.
Here, we try to name the 26 active PBA players who we feel are being eyed by the well-traveled head coach.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
The Ineligibles
Arguably one of the best Fil-Am talent out there (he's in the NBA!) but unfortunately, #FIBAineligible |
Sorry to burst your bubble folks.
Just a few minutes ago, former Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes went on Twitter to post how simple it is for families living overseas who are seriously considering having their sons play for us:
Of course, this is easier said than done since this information is probably not passed on to every single Overseas-based Filipino family. Chances are, they'll only learn about this when their sons start making waves in the basketball scene (wherever they are) which is almost, always when it's too late (because we don't really see any 10-15 year old kids being scouted at such an early, under-developed age owing to all the logistics and financing needed for it).
Monday, February 23, 2015
Take the lead
Jayson Castro the Leader (Photo courtesy of Sports5) |
Because that whole tournament, it was Jimmy Alapag and L.A. Tenorio running the offense. Because Castro was used more like a 6th man, off-the-bench scorer. Because he was the featured piece on offense instead of the guy who makes everything work.
Quite simply, because Jayson Castro, in the FIBA Asia tournament, and the whole TNT run of titles, was the star player yes, but not the "lead" player.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Lethal Weapon II
"Dito mo bigay sakin yung bola, tapos alis ka sa daan ko ha?" (Photo courtesy of Sports5) |
Currently averaging 18.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists on 47% shooting from 3 and 38 from 2 in five games played, Lee has regularly shown a knack for taking over games and willing his team to victory.
Keyword: regularly, not consistently, but regularly.
This conference however, we may be looking at the evolution of the man hailed as the "Lethal Weapon." Though he's still playing under 30 minutes (26.8 mpg), which is not something you'd expect from of a player of his caliber, he is definitely making an early case for himself as PBA Best Player of the Conference with one superb performance after another.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Larong Pinoy
Patay kung patay basketball. (Photo courtesy of Sports5) |
Yung buong pusong lumalaban, hindi nag aalinlangan, hindi takot masaktan o matamaan, hindi iniisip yung susunod na kontrata, posibleng endorsements o kahit na ano pa. Yung naroroon sila bilang basketbolista, bilang manlalaro, para manalo at hindi para magpasikat.
Pero gagana ba talaga ang mga tulad ni Abueva sa FIBA? Ngayon pa lang, marami nagsasabi na mapapaaway ang Pilipinas. Na posible tayong mapahiya. Na "hindi basketball" ang laro natin mga Pilipino kung hindi "basket-brawl."
Saturday, January 10, 2015
O Captain! My Captain!
#ThankYouJimmy |
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people are all exalting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring,"
Write no sad poetry as Walt Whitman for one Jimmy Alapag-- the man who has brought glory to the Philippines through the sport of basketball despite standing 5"9 in a sport dominated by 6"0 point guards and above. Yesterday he announced his retirement in near quiet fashion, being given a press conference in the middle of an action-packed PBA Finals, when his resume would demand at least an hour-long sit down interview with daresay the most popular talk show host today Vice Ganda, erm, Boy Abunda.
We still remember the young Alapag, back when he was brought in for a tryout by now Talk'n'Text head coach Jong Uichico for the national team in 2002. He injured his hand before he could even make an impact with the training pool, so we had to wait another year to see just how good he really was at the time. His stock dropped so bad, that he went 10th in the 2003 PBA Draft wherein a bunch of now long established role/ bit players and forgotten names went ahead of him.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
That New, Old Black Magic
The Bolts are winning despite David's struggles, just as Black designed (Photo courtesy of Sports5) |
See, Black was coming off a surreal five-peat championship quest with the Ateneo De Manila University-- a feat that probably won't be matched very soon. To reward him for his winnings and loyalty, he was handed the keys to run the college team's financier's crown jewel in the Philippine Basketball Association: The Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters. He made good in his first season back in the pros, winning a title and all-- but then it became pretty obvious that the title was more a "last hurrah" for his predecessor's system rather than Black's.
What followed was a series of disappointing finishes, with the Texters losing out on PBA Finals appearances and even semifinal showdowns which they're almost always a part of during the Chot Reyes Era.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Thank you Chot
#ThankYouChot (Photo lifted from Twitter) |
Personally, he's just not a guy I think I could hang with-- based on his "TV personality." He is fashionable at a fault, back when he was still coaching in the PBA en route to a 5x PBA Coach of the Year award (that he reminds every person who visits his Twitter page). To me, his loud shirts took away from the game. Not that he is not entitled to wear his bright, colorful, fashionista ensemble to the SMART Araneta Coliseum or MOA Arena or wherever, but it came off as a bit of a distraction really.
Then there's his nonchalant attitude. Maybe it's because I was brought up by a rival school. There's just something about the way he talks I guess.
Is he misunderstood? Probably. Most likely.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
In search of a leader
New coach means new players means no more drama yes? (Photo courtesy of Sports5) |
As far as possible coaches are concerned, we have a lot to choose from. The only problem is, of the names that are currently leading the coaching search-- maybe two are familiar with FIBA rules and style of play: booted Gilas head coach Chot Reyes and the well-traveled Gilas consultant/ FIBA veteran coach Tab Baldwin.
The rest have some experience on that level such as favorites Tim Cone, Norman Black, Jong Uichico and Yeng Guiao, to name a few.
My concern here is, how much freedom and leeway will be awarded whoever lands the coaching job of the Pilipinas Men's Basketball Team?
Thursday, October 30, 2014
A new day
#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.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
The Great Debate: Johnny vs Jimmy
The Flying A vs The Mighty Mouse Photo credits to the owner |
The game is on the line, fans anxiously hang on to every breath as the coach madly scribbles zigzags and curls on a stained white board. Words are being thrown out in the air while players scramble to focus while gulping on water or energy tonics-- whichever fuels the body faster. There's no time to hesitate, this is "win or go home" and nothing more. The lead referee blows on to his whistle to resume play.
Silence.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Winning (and losing) with dignity
Under fire: Gilas head coach Chot Reyes (Photo courtesy of InterAKTV) |
Defenders of the five-time PBA Coach of the Year awardee are quick to point out how "well" his team did in the also recently concluded 2014 FIBA World Cup (considering we finished with a 1 win, 4 losses record), citing that there's little the fashion-forward coach could do given the fact that the tools at his disposal-- his players, are either hurt or exhausted. However, the two other Asian teams that went to Spain with Gilas (Iran and Korea) fielded an even more intact line-up while we added new reinforcements: Marcus Douthit and Jarred Dillinger.
The offensive and defensive sets, one cannot argue that Gilas ran and stuck to the game plan to a "T." Did they tire themselves out of games in the first 3 and a half quarters much like they did in Spain? Probably. Did the team let opponents come storming back in by playing a deliberate, fast paced, game of runs offense that often found Coach Chot Reyes not calling for a timeout and instead having his players weather the proverbial storm?
Friday, September 26, 2014
#Puso
A win and two losses.
Gilas Pilipinas needs to win their remaining assignments (while hoping for the very best) in the ongoing 2014 Asian Games basketball tournament after losing back to back games in two straight days. How quickly this team gets its act together and move on from all the internal strife and drama will ultimately determine if #Puso is a proud battle cry or just another clever marketing campaign (that’s being milked until the mythical cow’s utters bleed dry IMHO).
How did we get here? Why are people going on lengthy Twitter threads about Gilas’ coaches and or players? Why does Gilas head coach Chot Reyes almost, always throw his wards under the bus after bad games—feelings, mental stability and focus be damned?
The win over India was expected. They’re a young, promising team that’s built on length and shooting but maybe a few more tournaments away from doing some real damage. The loss against Iran was painful because we were so close to actually exorcising our Haddadi demons.
But this one, against Qatar, well, let’s go back to the Iran game first shall we?
Gilas Pilipinas needs to win their remaining assignments (while hoping for the very best) in the ongoing 2014 Asian Games basketball tournament after losing back to back games in two straight days. How quickly this team gets its act together and move on from all the internal strife and drama will ultimately determine if #Puso is a proud battle cry or just another clever marketing campaign (that’s being milked until the mythical cow’s utters bleed dry IMHO).
How did we get here? Why are people going on lengthy Twitter threads about Gilas’ coaches and or players? Why does Gilas head coach Chot Reyes almost, always throw his wards under the bus after bad games—feelings, mental stability and focus be damned?
The win over India was expected. They’re a young, promising team that’s built on length and shooting but maybe a few more tournaments away from doing some real damage. The loss against Iran was painful because we were so close to actually exorcising our Haddadi demons.
But this one, against Qatar, well, let’s go back to the Iran game first shall we?
Sunday, September 21, 2014
From Spain to Korea
Gilas Pilipinas embarks yet on another historic journey following their moral victory-filled campaign in the recently concluded 2014 FIBA World Cup tournament-- this time in beautiful Incheon, Korea as part of the 2014 Asian Games.
By now, you've probably heard of Gilas' little debacle concerning 2014 FIBA World Cup reinforcement Andray Blatche and of how he will not be suiting up for the team in Korea owing to a technicality. In his place is resident Gilas' import Marcus Douthit, who'll have to (re)convince the entire Filipino basketball community that though he's not at par with the offensively-gifted Blatche, he can still get the job done.
Now, because of the way our team performed against some of the World's best basketball teams, it's easy to fall into the trap of expecting an instant medal finish-- hell, a gold even being that we're the only Asian team that wasn't blown out by more than 15 points in a single game the entire 2014 FIBA World Cup.
Don't.
By now, you've probably heard of Gilas' little debacle concerning 2014 FIBA World Cup reinforcement Andray Blatche and of how he will not be suiting up for the team in Korea owing to a technicality. In his place is resident Gilas' import Marcus Douthit, who'll have to (re)convince the entire Filipino basketball community that though he's not at par with the offensively-gifted Blatche, he can still get the job done.
Now, because of the way our team performed against some of the World's best basketball teams, it's easy to fall into the trap of expecting an instant medal finish-- hell, a gold even being that we're the only Asian team that wasn't blown out by more than 15 points in a single game the entire 2014 FIBA World Cup.
Don't.
Friday, September 5, 2014
#salamatjimmy
#salamatjimmy |
Now can I get an encore, do you want more
Cookin raw with the Brooklyn boy
So for one last time I need y'all to roar
Cookin raw with the Brooklyn boy
So for one last time I need y'all to roar
Now what the hell are you waitin for
After me, there shall be no more
So for one last time, nigga make some noise
After me, there shall be no more
So for one last time, nigga make some noise
- S. Carter, 2003
He'll be back, playing in the Philippine Basketball Association for the Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters. He'll still be crazy-eyed as always, barking out orders zeroed in on erring understudies who have yet to inherit his laser focus and passion. He'll still be the same old Jimmy, ever gracious, smiling at fans even those who doubted his PBA Most Valuable Player award just a few years ago.
But last night, when he willed Gilas Pilipinas and the nation of 7,107 islands strong into its first (and for the 2014 FIBA World Cup, last) victory, it was his encore. His swan song. His last shot at glory and immortality on the biggest stage of them all.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
2014 FIBA World Cup: Puerto Rico (17) vs Philippines (34) IR
FIBA version of #chickensad Photo courtesy of FIBA.com |
With last night's 77-73 loss to Puerto Rico, our World Cup Round of 16 dream has finally come to an end. We can only hope that Gilas Pilipinas is able to salvage a victory against the 37th seeded Senegal MBT, but even that team has a far superior win-loss slate than us.
So what did us in versus Puerto Rico? Well, the law of averages finally hit our shooters (which, by now, does not include Jeffrei Chan and Gary David). We took 28 attempts and only hit 6, with Gabe Norwood, either by design or by default, TAKING SIX THREES and hitting NONE. Then there's the turnovers-- forced and unforced. Paul Lee had five to go with Andray Blatche's six (with a crucial one down the stretched which led to J.J. Barrea's heroics).
And for all things Renaldo Balkman, the former and controversial PBA import didn't kill us. No, he was even benched for long stretches. Hell, Puerto Rico was pretty much a one-man team on offense in the final stretch with Barrea, who dropped 30 on our heads, seemingly unstoppable.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
2014 FIBA World Cup: Argentina (3) vs Philippines (34) IR
Yes. We. Can. Photo courtesy of FIBA.com |
To paraphrase a widely known movie quote: "It doesn't matter if you lose by an inch or a mile, losing is losing."
This is starting to become a new norm nowadays, celebrating moral victories and being happy or content with our Gilas Pilipinas losing by no more than 10 points to recognized World basketball powerhouses. It's almost too good to be true, when we're supposed to be "lacking in ceiling" and a true blue "Cinderella" story for the ages.
Then you take a look at the other team in our bracket and find Senegal, ranked 3 spots lower than us, enjoying a 2-1 win loss slate compared to our 0-3.
So yeah, let's all move on from the euphoria of making it to the 2014 FIBA World Cup and going toe to toe with some of the world's best. It's time to win. It's time to make a statement. Our players can do it, we're already there. No more excuses, no more drama. Either we're good enough to win or we're not.
Monday, September 1, 2014
2014 FIBA World Cup: Greece (5) vs Philippines (34) IR
Release. The Kraken. (Photo courtesy of FIBA.com) |
Well Greece is currently ranked 5th in the whole basketball world while the Philippines, our team, is ranked 34th. Yet we managed to lose by "only" 12 points to one of the recognized European basketball powerhouses despite having to deal with height disadvantages and in-game injuries. As with the game against Croatia, here are a few things that we've picked up on which we hope Gilas could either build on or shy away from in their next three matches.
Positive:
- Andray Blatche hobbled his way to finish with 21 points, 14 rebounds and 3 rebounds and shied away from playing iso-Blatche early. This allowed the team to get comfortable on the floor and take responsibility on both offense and defense.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
If only... fantasy Gilas Pilipinas
While our hard-fighting Gilas Pilipinas team was battling it out against the much heralded Croatian team, a familiar face was watching the game live from the stands. A face, that has become the ticket meal of the entire PBA the last few years, the iconic face that belongs to one James Carlos Yap.
Two-time PBA Most Valuable Player, recently crowned grand slam champion.
Unfortunately, he wasn't on the hard court helping the national cause. No, he had to buy a ticket to the game much like every one else in attendance. You could defend his or his management's decision all you want, but we here live by one simple rule: if you're going to battle the best, then you have to send your very best.
Yap and his 2x PBA MVP award is proof that he definitely belongs on Gilas.
Two-time PBA Most Valuable Player, recently crowned grand slam champion.
Unfortunately, he wasn't on the hard court helping the national cause. No, he had to buy a ticket to the game much like every one else in attendance. You could defend his or his management's decision all you want, but we here live by one simple rule: if you're going to battle the best, then you have to send your very best.
Yap and his 2x PBA MVP award is proof that he definitely belongs on Gilas.
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