2019 PBA Draft Reactions - The Gilas 5

Gilas 2023
(Photo: ABS CBN Sports)

Here's what we know, based on facts:

The official announcement was posted on PBA.ph on December 5, just three days away from the actual 2019 PBA Draft which up to that point, was really not enjoying any buzz be it on the airwaves or on social media. See, the PBA Draft is the PBA's lifeblood in more ways than one. Not only are teams getting new players, but they are also counting on the new (old) fans of the aforementioned to jump in. As in previous years, you've got established college stars who enjoy massive followings entering the Draft and all of a sudden, their teams enjoy an increase in following. Best case study of course if Chris Tiu of THE Ateneo, who Rain or Shine picked years ago and voila, all of a sudden RoS had a lot of Tiu-pporters up to his last game.

Is that a thing? Tiu-pporters? Or are they really (blasphemously) known as Iglesia ni Chris Tiu?

Anyway, back to the PBA GILAS Draft.



Somehow, someway, the PBA, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the MVP group all met eye-to-eye and agreed that if we are to prepare for the 2023 FIBA World Cup which we will be co-hosting, then now's the time. We honestly don't know who selected these players, if it were entirely up to Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin (who is credited as the Sports Director), or if it were done by a panel-- and if the PBA teams were consulted and gave their nods.

So, again, based on facts, here's what we know for sure: The 5 Gilas picks will be signed to SBP contracts for the next 3 years. They will train with Gilas (we don't know where, might be in the ABL or pocket tournaments) with the SBP given the option to allow them to play for the PBA teams that drafted them at any point within the 3 years. They could play next season, or maybe not at all. The PBA teams have the rights to these players, but that's really not saying a lot given that we've seen 1st overall picks being traded for almost nothing.

Also, there's no guarantee of all five being starting players on the Gilas 2023 team. There's no guarantee that they'll even be part of Gilas by 2024. We've seen some Gilas I 'investments' that didn't really pan out the way we'd hope for (i.e. Jason Ballesteros), but for the most part we're truly hoping for the best for these guys.

Our reactions:

1. Columbian - Isaac Go, C
Going into the Draft, Gilas or not, Go was already being penciled in as the Number 1 overall pick. Personally we had our reservations (still do), but in today's PBA game dominated by a 5x PBA MVP who also happens to be a 6"10 giant, there's a premium on getting quality bigs. Go is far from being dominant based on his college and amateur stats, but he does have a lot of positives overall as a token role-playing big man with a soft touch. This could very well work into Go's favor, as the 3 years could help him really develop his game the way the above-mentioned multiple time MVP suited up for an ABL team first (and playing sparingly behind imports and Asi Taulava). Go can run, rebound, shoot open jumpers and use his frame to set solid screens. Right now, we view him as a soft Doug Kramer, which is big considering Kramer made a name for himself as a well-tenured big man in the pros.

2. Blackwater - Rey Suerte, SG
Blackwater needs firepower, and so does any basketball team. Suerte fits the bill as an explosive scorer who can get shots up in a hurry. Time spent with Gilas would be of great benefit as he can continue working on his weaknesses specially on the defensive end.

3. NLEX - Matt Nieto, PG
Based on what we've heard and read from just about everyone, Nieto will be this team's Chris Tiu. Maybe not the face (yet, because that's sure to be Kobe lol), but the 6"1 guard will be running the offense and should it be Tab Baldwin's system, he's already way ahead of the learning curve.

4. Alaska - Alyn Bulanadi, SG
Gilas I had Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter. Gilas 2023 will have Suerte and Bulanadi on opposite sides of the wing. Both need work defensively, and maybe add a bit of weight, but a 3-year program where they'll be tested versus international competition should more than make up for it.

5. Rain or Shine - Mike Nieto, SF 
We're big fans of this kid though he wasn't used as much at ADMU. We saw him play (with his twin) back in HS, so we know that they can ball out. Might not be the fasters or most athletic, but like Matt Mike is well-rounded and can hold his own defensively. Honestly speaking, the twins are proto-type Euro-like players. Or, if you want something closer to home, they can be groomed to look and play like our neighboring Korean rivals who are wide-bodied, skilled and quick in the guard positions.

Your thoughts? @kilikilishot on Twitter or leave a comment :)

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.