Are we there yet?

Riding in Tandem: Asia Beware
(Photo credit to the owner)

If Gilas 3's silver medal finish in the just concluded 34th William Jones Cup in Chinese Taipei is to serve as a preview of things to come, considering that we didn't have the services of naturalized center Andray Blatche, then there is real hope for a podium finish come the FIBA Asia tournament just a few weeks from now.

Again, it would be wise to not expect Gilas 3 to win the gold outright and qualify for the 2016 Olympics. But salvaging maybe a bronze or silver isn't that out of the question even with a roster robbed of 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo, shooters Marcio Lassiter and Jeff Chan and the on-court wizardy of Paul Lee.

Here's a quick post-tournament review of our guys' performances, what they need to work on and if they can make the final cut of 12 players (plus 2 reserves).

Terrence Romeo: Grade A

The man who literally stole the limelight and hearts not only of the Filipinos but also of the Taiwanese crowd (hi Jenny Yu!). It seems as though Romeo is indeed quite the fast learner, after his dreadful Estonia campaign wherein he tried his streetball approach only to fail miserably. He's either attacking the basket or taking the 3. If there's no room to operate, he doesn't spend too much time with the ball and simply rotates it to someone else.

Jayson Castro: Grade B

Castro was solid but not stellar, still it was good enough for him to take home a Mythical Five selection in the Jones Cup which says a lot about how the Asian basketball community looks at his play. A lot of folks got the "cruise control" feel from Castro in this one, which we minded at first but big picture-wise, considering that Castro is an injury waiting to happen all by himself, we'll take it for now. Basta pag FIBA Asia na, ratratan na ulit.

Jimmy Alapag: Grade INC

Injured quads. Got to shake of that rust cap. Didn't play enough minutes (or games, in general) to really merit a score here. Whatever, we all know what Captain Jimmy is all about-- and even if he has stepped away from the game for a few months, we can always count on the Mighty Mouse when it counts.

Gary David: Grade B

While David wasn't lighting the competition up per se, he still looked a lot better in this Jones Cup than the one we saw in 2013.A lot of folks are already saying that David's spot on the roster is on the line with guys like Rosser and Intal in the mix, but if you ask us, there's always a need for a creator/ shooter specially in international meets.

Dondon Hontiveros: Grade B

Sure, when Hontiveros is cold he's basically cold the entire game, but even if that's the case you can still always count on his superb perimeter defense despite the wear and tear. With the lack of natural shooters on the roster, David and Hontiveros are practically locks on that final 12.

Matt Rosser: Grade B

Jack-of-all-trades type who can defend and pester guys from 1 to 3. His offense was a little shaky in a few games, but when he commits to the drive and teardrop he's basically automatic. His only flaw is when he half-asses the drive, and looks to pass, he usually telegraphs it by slowing down two or three steps to look for anyone to kick it out to.

Gabe Norwood: Grade B

We saw glimpses of FIBA Gabe here and there, was probably challenged by the number of wings Coach Tab brought along for this trip. Anyway, we're not even worried for Gabe at this point. His experience, athleticism and decision making still makes him the best option to play both roles of point-forward and star stopper.

JC Intal: Grade C

We love JC Intal's effort and commitment for flag and country. But he's still not the same old JC Intal from Ateneo. When he just chooses to score, rebound or pass, he looks like a natural. When he catches the ball and overthinks the game, tries to be fancy, tries to create for another-- he just messes it up and looks like an amateur. Hopefully, this Gilas run will help him continue going back to his "Rocket" ways. 

Ranidel de Ocampo: Grade A

Sure he started the tournament sidelined, but de Ocampo quickly showed why he's arguably the best damn power forward in the PBA today once he joined the madness that is Gilas 3. From knocking down the 3 balls, making basic pick and roll/ pop plays to even delivering the occasional wayward People's Elbow to Jones Cup fugazis-- RdO's already locked in on the FIBA Asia tournament.

Marc Pingris: Grade B (sentimental A)

While Ping didn't really have one of his signature defensive games. much has to be said about his overall commitment to the Gilas program. Right now, we're hearing news of him possibly being traded by his PBA ball club as a form of "punishment" for choosing to play for Gilas 3 which could be destructive for him legacy/ career-wise (specially if they simply choose to not play him at all instead of trading him left and right). But Pingris has made it known that he doesn't care about the politics, as long as he can proudly serve flag and country.

Troy Rosario: Grade C

This kid is the future. Works the baseline, rebounds, hustles, can even be relied upon to keep in step with Asian small forwards from time to time thanks to his solid lateral footwork. We didn't see a lot of Rosario in this tournament, but he'll definitely be one of the anchors for the Gilas program in the next couple of years (specially if he can develop a pocket post move or two).

Aldrech Ramos: Grade D

Ramos has the looks and the stretch 4 skills, but the commitment and heart on the court needs to show. We love how he's a part of the program now, if only to expose him to star caliber teammates and competition. What he does with the whole Gilas learning program moving forward in his basketball career is entirely up to him.

Moala Tautuaa: Grade A

Sweet baby Jeezus this dude is a monster! That putback jam on Quincy Davis' poor bald noggin', going coast to coast with ease for a man of his size and strength... basically got us singing: MOVE B, GET OUT THE WAY! Oh, he's not eligible for FIBA Asia unless Andray Blatche doesn't suit up-- which is an alternate reality that we don't want to happen.

Sonny Thoss: Grade C

Whatever happened to Thoss? The way he's been playing the last two years, you'd think that a Monstar from Michael Jordan's mid 90s starrer- Space Jam stole his talent or something. Sure, we saw some flashes, but overall Thoss looked slow and sluggish. Hell, his 42-year old, 6"10 xx lbs. teammate definitely out-hustled and out-worked from where we are seated.

Asi Taulava: Grade A

One more time, for flag and country. Taulava has paid his dues and then some. He has played for Pilipinas and carried the cudgels for us after Marlou Aquino with no complaints, even if there are still some circles who would call out his true citizenship. The nice thing about Taulava right now is that, he's at the point in his career wherein he can just play basketball and not worry about being scouted by NBA agents or what not. The door for that has long been closed. He's there to help Pilipinas win and make history. Sure, his offense is definitely limited, but he's playing more like the blue collar guy we've all needed/ wanted him to be.

Calvin Abueva: Grade A

No scouting reports here for you, all we can say is that he is just as effective anywhere he plays and in whatever role you ask him to perform. Romeo stole the show, Castro was the established star, but Abueva definitely is going to be the X-factor/ game-changer that not a lot of Asian teams have on their rosters.

There are still some questions with Gilas 3 such as if and when Andray Blatche returns, will he be in shape and if Jordan Clarkson is (1) FIBA eligible (2) allowed by the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers to play more than 3 games and (3) how his addition will affect overall team chemistry given the number of days left on the calendar until the FIBA Asia tournament.

Laban Pilipinas!