The joke is on us

Showtime L.A.
(Photo credit to the owner)

Earlier this year we wrote about how Manny Pacquiao, playing-head coach of the Mahindra Enforcers, (then Kia Sorento/ Carnival) was a big joke. Granted, we still think that he is a joke when it comes to basketball but his team-- coached by Chito Victolero, definitely is far from being one.

Though they are currently at the bottom of the PBA Philippine Cup standings with a 1 win 3 losses record, the Enforcers have looked like a serious basketball team this season as they did near the end of their maiden campaign. They received a lot of heat from trading away the 2nd pick of the 2015 PBA Draft to Talk'n'Text which they turned into Troy Rosario, but you could hardly tell the effects of the trade since they were able to get instant value right away with the strong performances of Aldrech Ramos (21mpg 13ppg 6rpg) and Nino Canaleta (22mpg 11ppg 4rpg 2apg).

Add to that holder L.A. Revilla (32mpg 17ppg 4rpg 6apg) who continues to flourish as one of the PBA's up-and-coming floor generals and the steady plays of Karl Dehesa (24mpg 11ppg 4rpg 2apg), Mark Yee (11ppg 8rpg) and Hyram Bagatsing-- who no one really thought would have a pro career, let alone shine, coming out of the DLSU ranks.

Trade reaction: Jervy Cruz to Ginebra

Third team after RoS
--all in one conference!
(Photo credit to the owner)

First thing is first, who is really in control?

Is it Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, plucked from right under the noses of STAR Hotshots' management to right all things wrong with the league's most popular ballclub? Or is it team manager slash San Miguel Sports Director slash "I can get you banned indefinitely by the league" slash whatever he is into these days Alfrancis Chua?

Because from where we are seated, trading Rodney Brondial and a future pick for Barako Bull Energy Cola's Jervy Cruz does not look like much of a Tim Cone move.

Brondial is 24 years of age and a true 6"5, 210 lbs. banger who loves to gobble up rebounds be it on the offensive or defensive end. On the other side, Cruz is a 29-year-old former UAAP MVP who has struggled to find a niche in the pros and generously listed at 6"5 (more 6"3-6"4) and 220 lbs. If you take Cruz' offense (and collegiate accomplishments), then sure, he's the better player. But we doubt that he was brought in for his low post moves, since Ginebra is clearly dead set on running every single play through starters 6"9 Japeth Aguilar and 7"0 Greg Slaughter.

But Brondial has a lot of upside to him, despite playing limited minutes for Ginebra his entire time there.

Faulty wiring

Meralco needs to let the kids play
(Photo credit to the owner)

Please excuse the above shameless pun of a title, but that is probably the best way to describe what is happening to the now 0 wins and 4 losses Meralco Bolts in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup.

After quite an impressive showing last season, the Bolts were supposed to move up this year thanks to the acquisition of point guard Jimmy Alapag (doesn’t get better than this guy, IMHO), big man Rabeh Al Hussaini and rookies Chris Newsome and Baser Amer to name a few. Sure, they lost an energy wing guy in Sean Anthony, but overall the talent level was supposed to have gone up—on paper at least.

They were SUPPOSED do a lot of positive things but so far, all we have seen is a lot of sloppy play and inconsistency from Coach Norman Black’s team.

Contingency Plan

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
(Photo credit to the owner)

Today marks the very first time that we will be able to see (or at the very least, read about) a proud 17-man pool of legitimate PBA All Stars worthy of the Gilas Pilipinas jersey practicing together. Not to say that those who came before them were not up to par, but to be very blunt about it some guys were there only because player A or B was not allowed by their ball club.

Well, the league has made it known that they are all in on this one.

Players from San Miguel Corporation-- San Miguel Beer, STAR, Ginebra, now offer no alibis or excuses. Players who were held back because of nasty, piracy rumors, are now reporting for duty with no more drama whatsoever coming from anyone. Here is your Gilas OQT 17 man pool:

MVP June Mar Fajardo and Marcio Lassiter of San Miguel Beer; Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar and LA Tenorio of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel; Paul Lee, Jeff Chan and Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine; Jayson Castro, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Troy Rosario, Ranidel De Ocampo and Ryan Reyes of Talk ‘N Text; Marc Pingris and Ian Sangalang of Star; Calvin Abueva of Alaska and Terrence Romeo of GlobalPort.

Now if that isn't all star and world class enough for you, then we don't know what to tell you really.

Never Quit Squad

Remember that Ludacris song...
(Photo credit to the owner)

Perhaps there is no more arduous a task than to find entertainment in a full 48-minute basketball game that does not feature your favorite PBA team.

Unless of course Head Coach Alex Compton and his Alaska Aces are playing. Now THAT's must see TV.

Hailed as the “new comeback kids” of the sport (or as per Aces’ big boss Wilfred Uytengsu puts it the “Never Quit Squad”), the Aces are actually off to an impressive start this PBA Philippine Cup despite last night’s loss to Ginebra. Currently with a 3 wins 1 loss slate, the Aces are winning games in all kinds of fashion: come from behind, blowouts, grit-and-grind and even shootouts.

You name it and the Aces can play it—and then some.

Troy 'n' Tautuaa

Good, but not great... yet.
(Photo credit to the owner)

One was hyped to be a dominant, beast-like of a well-traveled basketball player. A human-imagining of a raging bull gifted with size, speed and athleticism. The other was billed to be the second-coming of all the homegrown greats at his position, combining hustle with range and dexterity.

Two games in, we have yet to see the kind of impact that was expected of both men. Two games in, and we could dismiss all the hype right now and say that there is definitely room for improvement.

Maybe, a lot of it.

The 1st and 2nd overall picks of the 2015 PBA Draft, the Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters 6"7 duo of Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario have been solid thus far though a bit unimpressive. For one, Tautuaa was already making headlines even before he made it known that he wanted to play in the PBA, strutting his slam dunking, beastly ways over at the ASEAN Basketball League. The transition should've been easier, since TNT was a team without a true center ever since Ali Peek opted to retire.

Tautuaa was supposed to be the answer.

Stan the Man

Out with the old, in with the new
(Photo credit to the owner)

Poker-faced and steady, he carefully surveys the field to check where his comrades are-- his shooters are busy trying to wriggle free from their defenders, his bigs already engaged in hand-to-hand combat inside the box and angling for proper rebounding position.

In the middle of the chaos of blinding lights, human flesh and glistening jerseys, he makes a split-second decision.

He puts his head down and moves forward, his defender tries to move his legs fast enough to recover. Recover in time to make a possible last gasp attempt at challenging a layup. But what the defender does not know or anticipate, is that while he has already committed to this scenario, the hero has other things in mind. He slows down just as quickly as he accelerated, enough to throw his defender off balance. Enough to catch the help wondering what is going on: "will he shoot? Will he pass? Can I get there in time?" Parallel to the time it took the defender to answer this complex conundrum is the hero scoring or assisting on an easy basket.

This is starting to become somewhat of the norm for GlobalPort Batang Pier’s sophomore point guard Stanley Pringle.

Back to the future

Is Sangalang ready to takeover?
(Photo credit to the owner)

This was supposed to be the year wherein expectations were to be set low while the STAR Hotshots make the transition from Tim Cone's rigid yet winning ways to Jason Webb's free-flowing, youth-oriented attack.

Don't tell that to the veterans.

Led by 2x PBA Most Valuable Player James Yap, the STAR Hotshots are fighting in games despite their current 1 win 2 losses card. Surprisingly, instead of the younger guys on the roster, it's Yap and Marc Pingris who are putting up the numbers and playing like they were freed from whatever shackle it was that held them back. Yap is taking more shots (his % suck, but shooters shoot) while Pingris is roaming and lurking. Sure, PJ Simon is playing less minutes but he is still their 3rd leading scorer behind Yap and Mark Barroca.

So where will the Hotshots go from here?

#PlayMeOrTradeMe

Nice shirt.
(Photo credit to the owner)

Indefinite suspension.

That is the punishment handed down by STAR Hotshots' management on their young small forward Allein Maliksi, after the former UST Tiger posted (now deleted) one of Nike's statement shirts on his personal Instagram account.

Let this be a lesson to all millenials: social media is not a platform for you to be ranting about the work place. Specially if your account is public AND more so if you are a celebrity of sorts like Maliksi.

In the clutch

Nobody said it was easy.
(Photo credit to the owner)

Thirty-four minutes played, 4 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 turnovers all while looking lost in the scheme of things.

Life is not going to be easy this season for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel star guard and former PBA MVP Mark Caguioa- not under coach Tim Cone, the Triangle Offense and his (Caguioa's) brittle 35-year-old knees. But if he truly intends to see his beloved red and white back in the PBA Finals or at least get them by its doorstep, it is a challenge, a sacrifice, that he needs to embrace.

Call it a hot take on yesterday's Manila Classico wherein Ginebra lost to STAR 78-86. Call it a small sample that should not be taken with much ado and fervor. Call it what you like, but we will still call it as we saw it.

Show of force

This image might be a
common thing for years to come
(Photo credit to the owner)

Did you catch yesterday's out-of-town match pitting the defending PBA Philippine Cup champions San Miguel Beermen and darkhorse pick GlobalPort Batang Pier?

It was brutal.

While the final score of 97-86 would hint at a close game (even if you look by quarters: 20-27, 49-37, 71-58, 97-86), what we witnessed on the floor would suggest otherwise. The Batang Pier didn't stand a chance once the Beermen buckled down to work and got into a steady rhythm. 

Back to the one we love

The PBA is BACK!
WOW! Fantastic baby.
(Photo credit to the owner)

Though we were definitely upset over all the drama that still, fortunately, led to a silver medal finish for our Gilas 3, there is no point in denying that we will always be fans of the Philippine Basketball Association by default.

One; because we do not really see another Metropolitan Basketball Association rising out of the woodwork (until of course either Team San Miguel or Team Manny V Pangilinan pulls all of their teams out of the Asia's first basketball league), and two; because Filipinos in general are a fickle, forgiving lot (we are generalizing here, because this basically explains how and why troublemakers and borderline idiots get seats in the government).

So yes, we forgive you PBA for the Gilas 3 drama. But only because we are left with no other alternative (at the moment, once the NBA starts holding Global Games in Manila then all bets are off). Now that you've named a 17-man pool for the Olympic Qualifiers, we kinda, sorta, hate you guys less. We still hate some of the guys in charge, but not as much as before.

And we will forgive you for making up-and-coming emcee Abra look like a complete tool last Wednesday.

On to STAR vs Rain or Shine, NLEX vs Blackwater and Alaska vs Talk'n'Text then.

The PBA is BACK!

All eyes on me

Steal of the 2015 PBA Draft or bust?
(Photo credit to the owner)

With the PBA Philippine Cup (and season) set to open this Wednesday, here is a list of who we feel should be on your radar in terms of delivering "must see TV." We are not simply talking about our picks for any individual awards at conference's end. We are talking about guys who already have storylines written for them, going into the season.

*Special mention* Roi Sumang, GlobalPort Batang Pier
If only because this guy was initially expected to be in the first round of the 2015 PBA Draft, all eyes would probably be on Sumang and how he'll fit in 1) GlobalPort and 2) the PBA. Will he get his minutes on the floor and be allowed to score? Or will he be asked to defer to his veteran teammates, who are also scorers by trade (Joseph Yeo, Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle) and "learn" the ropes of being a role player?

10. James Yap, STAR Hotshots
Was Yap shackled by the Triangle, as most would believe, or is he simply on a slow decline owing to all the basketball mileage? Is STAR still his team, or are they moving to another direction with Mark Barocca and Ian Sangalang?

9. Aldrech Ramos, Mahindra Enforcers
Ramos is to basketball as Myrtle is to local showbiz. Whoever this guy's manager is should get a raise. He's everywhere. EVERY FREAKING WHERE. We haven't seen anything from him that would convince us that he's a solid role player at least, and yet we keep hearing all the hype and hoopla from wherever. Hell, he even made it to the Gilas 3 - Jones Cup selection for crying out loud. Now that he is on a bad team, with no one to compete minutes with (unless Coach Manny Pacquiao  Chito Victolero uses him at the 4 to backup Nino Canaleta), we expect to see at least some semblance of a grown man's game to Ramos this season.

Make or break

"Paul, sa ... maganda daw yung perks"
(Photo credit to the woner)

There is a storm coming.

Allow us to speak on a more personal level, being Rain or Shine Elastopainters fans and all since the Yeng Guiao era (established in 2011). Paul Lee is on the final year of his two-year contract extension. We saw how his manager openly batted that another one of his wards, Roi Sumang, be picked by RoS if only to have them play together buddy-ball style. RoS didn't. They passed on it. They picked an insurance policy in case Lee takes his talents elsewhere in 3rd overall pick Maverick Ahanmisi. Sumang? Pass. Pass. Pass.

Then, RoS barred Lee from playing for Gilas 3.

Don't think that that little incident is all water under the bridge now.

Jeffrei Chan, another Gilas player, was also not allowed to suit up.

Something's amiss.

Young, wild and free

So this is Junemar's league, huh?
(Photo credit to the owner)

Just when you thought that the Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters needed a back-to-the-basket center to combat 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo and champs San Miguel...

... they added a face-up, burly "center" who really plays more like a small forward in 6"7 Moala Tautuaa, another 6"7 rebounding sniper in Troy Rosario, and a 6"4 hard-nosed banger (who is arguably their best low post player outside of star Ranidel de Ocampo) in Larry Rodriguez.

Why play traditional when you can play position-less?

The long and winding road

How far can Asi take NLEX?
(Photo credit to the owner)

While their elders, Talk'n'Text and Meralco, enjoy having youthful bigs to continue building their foundations around, head coach Boyet Fernandez and his NLEX Road Warriors find themselves stuck in the mud with aging frontliners who are an injury away from retirement.

Sure, Asi Taulava (fresh from another tour of duty with Gilas 3) and Enrico Villanueva are still fearsome names and that Asi has enjoyed a renaissance of sorts the last three seasons, but can a team really pin their hopes on a 40+ year old with limited low post offense? How about Villanueva? He hasn't been the same since suffering an injury after a stint with Barako Bull and has played more like a TV-friendly version of 90s role player Chris Bolado than the "Raging Bull" we once knew.

These proud veterans are backed by Rob Reyes, Eric Camson, Mark Borboran and Jeckster Apinan. They are a solid, role-playing bunch, but not in the same area as TNT's Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario, and Meralco's returning Rabeh Al Hussaini.

Definitely nowhere near.

Here comes the boom

Welcome to Junemar's world
(Photo credit to GlennMichaelTan.com)

Last season, the San Miguel Beermen were finally able to put it all together.

They brought in a true player's coach in Leo Austria, finally bought into the "less is more" mindset and let go of some more star caliber players for role playing ones and basically streamlined their offense to Junemar Fajardo 1, everyone else 2. 

The end result? Two championships in three conferences.

Nothing to see here

Still waiting for Garcia's break out year
(Photo credit to the owner)

Because really, are there actual fans of the following teams and not just of the individual players who were "carried over" from their idol's former squad?

Barako Bull Energy Cola
If only this team weren't so blatant in being the league's premier farm team, we would actually vouch for this line-up. RR Garcia, JC Intal, Mac Baracael, Jervy Cruz and either the old Mick Pennisi (seriously, this guy should consider retiring soon) or Prince Caperal. Then there are guys like Chico Lanete, Josh Urbiztondo, James Forrester, Emman Monfort and Willy Wilson coming off the bench. Okay, maybe they have a surplus of point guards, but this should make for an exciting run-and-gun squad right?

Right.

Who pads his stats first? Last season, it was Denok Miranda who was able to stat-pad his way out of the Energy camp. Will it be Intal, who is coming off a solid Gilas 3 stint? Will it be Garcia, the former UAAP MVP, who we thought would break out last season after being freed from the burden of having to play with college buddy/ rival Terrence Romeo only to learn that hey, maybe Garcia's not THAT special after all? Or will it be Baracael, who will most likely go back to his stretch four roots and remind us of how special a player he looked back when he played for Gilas I?

Your guess is as good as ours. Coach Koy Banal will make this team compete, but at day's end when they start winning someone's bound to pull the plug. Remember Joseph Yeo last conference? When he started running his mouth about how "free" they were? Yeah, he got traded soon. But not before BB's winning streak fizzled out..

Electric Avenue

The Prodigal Son returns
(Photo credit to the owner)

To borrow a line or two from the great Guyanese-British musician Eddy Grant's hit song, "We(are) gonna rock down to Electric Avenue, and then we'll take it higher (higher)."

Higher, because that is where head coach Norman Black is destined to bring the revamped Meralco Bolts. Last year, the team had to make do with the oft-injured Mike Cortez at point guard and whoever was healthy and available enough to masquerade at center. It got so bad that the Bolts had to play center-by-committee, since no one was fit enough to really play the position.

Their best low post player?

Swiss Army knife Reynel Hugnatan (who was greatly rewarded for his efforts, earning his first PBA All Star selection), who easily gives up about 5 to 6 inches to the likes of 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo, PBA MVP Asi Taulava and Greg Slaughter.

This coming season the Bolts have been rewarded by the basketball Gods with the addition of unretired floor general Jimmy Alapag and big man Rabeh Al Hussaini.

A puncher's chance

Show them who's Boss
(Photo credit to the owner)

Dear Alaska Aces fans, welcome to Rain or Shine Elastopainters territory.

Before you start telling us off about how different our teams our, just hear this RoS fan for a minute. We rose to the top somewhere in 2012, when we beat a champions-in-the-making STAR Hotshots side and continued to reach the Finals the next two to three years only to fail time and again to some established powerhouse. Your team? Well after the Cone Era, you beat Ginebra in the Finals, regrouped with a new coach but the same gung-ho style (although much freer), and reached the Finals again (twice) just last season only to fall to San Miguel.

Welcome to basketball bridesmaid purgatory.

On the offensive

Your team or mine?
(Photo credit to the owner)

How many players does it take to score a basket?

This is going to be Coach Pido Jarencio's biggest challenge as he leads a retooled Global Port Batang Pier squad that does not only feature elite scorer Terrence Romeo and the promising Stanley Pringle, but also veteran assassin-by-trade Joseph Yeo, trigger happy point man Jonathan Uyloan and rookie Roi "I'm not a basketball diva" Sumang. 

Granted, the Batang Pier squad enjoyed some success when they played a three guard unit with Asian import Omar Krayem-- but that was more to Krayem's versatility and efficiency than Coach Pido's Xs and Os. Krayem pretty much covered for Pringle and Romeo, sliding comfortably at the small forward spot.

Yeo? We are not too sure he can play defense like Krayem. We don't think he will have any troubles deferring to the younger guys on offense (having played with Mac Cardona early in his career), but it's on defense where this Romeo-Pringle-Yeo troika might fail. Remember, Batang Pier had Krayem AND Denok Miranda last conference to "save" Romeo and Pringle.

Free Rein

Make or break
(Photo credit to the owner)

It is a great time to be a fan of STAR Hotshots basketball.

Sure, you can look at it from the other end of the spectrum since they recently lost their grand slam coach Tim Cone and the walking mismatch that is Joe DeVance, but then you should consider that no triangle means more running and gunning. More points. More fun.

At the very least, that is what we feel Coach Jason Webb is going for.

adidas showcases 3D printed footwear

The future looks bright
(Photo courtesy of adidas)

adidas recently unveiled the future of performance footwear with Futurecraft 3D, a unique 3D-printed running shoe midsole which can be tailored to the cushioning needs of an individual’s foot. The 3D concept is part of the ‘Futurecraft series’, a forward-looking initiative that places open source collaboration and craftsmanship at the heart of design to drive innovation across all elements of production.

adidas Futurecraft 3D on YouTube

In its 3D concept, which provides the ultimate personalised experience for all athletes, adidas created a unique combination of material and process. The production breakthrough will take the running shoe standard to the next level, offering unprecedented individualised support and cushioning for every foot, to enable athletes to perform at their best.

The Suicide Squad

ChampionshipSSSSS or bust.
(Photo credit to the owner)

When it is all said and done, Earl Timothy Cone will most likely be lauded as the greatest PBA coaching mind to ever grace this side of the sporting world. His 18 PBA championships has launched him above his very own local idol, the late great Baby Dalupan, if his impressive feat of winning two Grand Slams in different eras with different teams hasn't already.

But just when you thought that there was no challenge left for Coach Tim to overcome, here comes what is arguably the most Herculean of tasks bestowed upon him: to reward the millions of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel fans by turning the once underdogs turned under-achievers into a legitimate, PBA champion team.

See, Ginebra isn't the Los Angeles Lakers of the PBA. They are the New York Knicks. Loved. Popular. But hardly any rings to show for. Who is the PBA's Lakers? That's their sister team Purefoods. The Boston Celtics? That's San Miguel Beer. It is all about the championships, always.

When San Miguel brass opted to extract Cone from STAR where he was comfortably gearing up for multiple title runs, they knew that they were already sacrificing the identity of Ginebra. With Cone, they will no longer be underdogs. They haven't been underdogs in a long time, really. Never say die? What's that? The title drought was more due to poor coaching, the support of fans going into their players' heads turning them into basketball divas and overall just subpar play.

Don't blame the refs

Fat Andray wasn't a match for fit Yi
(Photo credit to the owner)

After all that has happened in the recently concluded gold medal match of the 2015 FIBA Asia tournament between eventual champions China and our very own Gilas Pilipinas, we feel that some circles are selling the Chinese short because of what is now being called as dubious officiating.

See, even before the match started our minds were already conditioned not to expect a fair fight. Then came Manny V. Pangilinan's series of tweets about how the team bus was delayed/ eventually replaced, the Philippine contingent having difficulty getting tickets and even of how our basket was surprisingly being "fixed" during warm-ups while the Chinese were already busy doing their lay-up rounds.

We were in China, the crowd was already hostile from the start. The Chinese were never known to be the hospitable bunch when it came to foreigners seeking glory in their lands. What did we expect? Some Filipino hospitality? For them to lay out the red carpet for their "enemies?" No. It was poor sports/ gamesmanship, sure. But to the Chinese, they took everything that they could to ensure victory-- both on and off the court. Because there was no one who stood up to say that "hey, this is wrong (we are looking at you, FIBA)," then the Chinese just went about their business at the expense or every single Filipino basketball fans' hopes and dreams.

Trade reaction: Joe DeVance to Ginebra

JDV to Ginebra
(Photo credit to the owner)

This is the sad reality of the current state of Philippine basketball: there are the major players, the independents, and those who exist only to serve and appease the former.

Let us take a look at the most recent trades which involved the following teams: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, STAR Hotshots, GlobalPort Batang Pier and Barako Bull Energy Cola. Two are sister teams, one has been a long time conduit while another seems to be well on its way as an insurance policy type of conduit. Needless to say, these four teams have always transacted with one another. They have never bothered to look elsewhere for trades most of the time. And as much as we would like to quit saying that yes, there are farm teams in the PBA, well, there are farm teams in the PBA.

If you would like to disagree, let us break down the trades then shall we?

Salamat Gilas 3

#PUSO
(Photo credit to the owner)

Mga kababayan ko
Dapat lang malaman niyo
Bilib ako sa kulay ko
Ako ay Pilipino
Kung may itim o may puti 
Mayroon naman kayumanggi
Isipin mo na kaya mong
Abutin ang iyong minimithi 

- Magalona, F.

Tapos na ang FIBA Asia 2015 kung saan naiuwi ng ating Gilas 3 ang pilak habang ang host country na Tsina ang siyang nag uwi ng gintong medalya. Marami tayong pwedeng sabihin tungkol sa nasabing laro na katatapos lang, pero hindi tayo ganong klaseng basketball fans. Hindi tayo casual lang na biglang sumuporta sa koponan natin kasi nakapasok sa Finals. Manalo o matalo, lamyado o hindi, suporta pa din tayo. Kaya sa Tsina, saludo kami sa mga manlalaro niyo na para bang nagbabadya na kayo na muli ang magiging Asian basketball powerhouse sa susunod na mga taon.

Are you not entertained?

EASY! EASY!
(Photo credit to FIBA.com)

After all the drama and hardships leading into the formation of the team, Gilas 3 is back in the semifinals of the FIBA Asia tournament wherein we have a realistic chance of defending our precious "golden" silver or better yet-- winning it all en route to a seat in the 2016 Rio Olympics to do battle with the world's best basketball players.

But first, we need to beat Japan tomorrow before we even entertain thoughts of facing either defending champions and longtime tormentors Iran or the "rebuilt" basketball dynasty that is China.

If the game versus Lebanon is to be of any indication, you could say that we are on the right path though there are some things that we still need to work on if our goal indeed is to not simply enjoy a podium finish but rather facing global basketball superpowers like US, Spain and Argentina, among others. Today, Jayson Castro and Andray Blatche proved that they are arguably the best 1-2 punch in all of Asian basketball, maybe rivalling/ besting Iran's Nikkhah Bahrami and Hamed Haddadi even. Castro was just in a world of his own: finishing with 25 points, blitzing into the lane and besting his young Lebanese counterpart. Blatche? Though he started the tournament out of shape, the 6"11 reinforcement is starting to show flashes of his natural form by dropping 25 points and 17 rebounds on a Lebanese side that just didn't have anyone to match him with.

Blatche is big, quick, strong and finesse but at the same time he doesn't seem to mind getting his hands dirty when called upon.

87 - 73

The Beast, unleashed
(Photo credit FIBA.com)

There are no words at the moment to best describe how our very own Gilas Pilipinas beat the reigning FIBA Asia champions Iran in yesterday's 2nd round match-up of the very same tournament.

On one side, Iran was blowing through the competition by a margin of at least 40 points. They were running their sets, dominating from start to finish, and doing it all despite the relatively subpar efforts from resident stars Nikkhah Bahrami and Hamed Haddadi (Mahdi Kamrani and up-and-coming star power forward Mohammad Hassanzadeh were doing much of the damage early on for German Coach Dirk Bauermann). They were simply that good.

For our Philippine team, well, we started the FIBA Asia tournament by losing a big lead-- and the game to then unranked Palestine. We proceeded to blow out Hong Kong and Kuwait, as was expected, but then struggled against a Japanese side to start the 2nd round-- a team that Iran basically pummelled into submission by a margin of more than 30 points. Oh, and Andray Blatche hurt his ankle in that same game, a night versus this heavyweight match-up with Iran. Also, we have yet to really see Dondon Hontiveros, JC Intal and Terrence Romeo light guys up from beyond the arc.

So yeah, forgive us for not liking our chances against Iran.

Trade reaction: Arana to SMB, Pascual to Barako, 2016 2nd round pick to RoS

Underrated
(Photo credit to the owner)

Being a true blooded Rain or Shine fan (and a proud La Sallian for about the bulk of my life in the academe), this one stings quite a bit since Ryan Arana has always been a favorite of mine. Drafted 12th overall in the 2nd round of the 2007 PBA Draft, Arana has found a niche in the PBA even before Coach Yeng Guiao introduced his gung-ho style to the team (which all but liberated Arana).

Here's how the most recent PBA deal went:

A time to believe

"May nag-text, si Junemar."
(Photo credit to FIBA.com)

You'll have to forgive me for being unable to provide post-game, couch potato analysis of Gilas 3's initial three games into the FIBA Asia tournament currently being held in some half-empty gym somewhere in China. This proud OFW was on a much-needed, first-ever annual vacation leave (to Manila) and spent most of his (days and) nights shopping, eating pork and or keeping in step with the #AlDub phenomena.

Rest assured however that we were still able to follow all three matches: the shock loss to Palestine and the expected consecutive drubbing of Hong Kong and Kuwait.

While we didn't end up as the Group Leader, we are still fortunate enough to make it into the next round which is the start of the knockout stage. Don't expect Gilas 3 to take opponents lightly from here on out, now that they had their pants pulled from under them their first game into the tournament. No, we fully expect Coach Tab Baldwin to keep pressing our guys to play at a high level since we firmly believe that his job is also on the line.

You do not get the services of Andray Blatche, and whoever this mystery US scout is that was added to the team just recently, to lose to an unranked Palestine basketball team that only had 3 legitimate, top-notch basketball players.

In the next round, we're grouped with Gold medalists Iran, followed by Japan, India, Palestine and Hong Kong. Of the teams, Iran is most likely to secure top seed while Japan, Palestine and India are possible sleepers (with Palestine already owning a victory on us).

Still, there's a lot of hope for Gilas 3 to make it into the next round should we continue to play heads' up basketball.

Calvin Abueva has been a true revelation here; when he wasn't even considered by Coach Tab Baldwin for the team. The man known as "The Beast" has cut down on his theatrics and simplified his game back to when he was playing college ball at San Sebastian-- attack the rim basketball on offense, tenacious and intense on defense.

This has allowed Coach Tab to relegate former Gilas defensive/ energy guy Gabe Norwood to the bench (keeping him fresh for the next round/s), with newbies Matt Rosser and JC Intal also looking for minutes behind Abueva. Speaking of which, Rosser has provided Gilas with a defensive spark as an awesome weakside/ help shotblocker while Intal has proven himself worthy of his spot by hitting the occasional jumpshot/ three pointer when presented him. Sure, he still makes some bone headed plays here and there owing to his hesitant style of play, but it's not like he's a complete dud when he's on the court.

Andray Blatche's conditioning is still a concern, since he seems to be good for only 20-25 minutes of solid play. Versus Palestine, he started off hot and went cold in the 2nd half-- while others would argue that it was because Palestine went exclusively to playing zone defense, Blatche made it easier for them since he was hardly moving without the ball. In the next two matches against Hong Kong and Kuwait, Blatche picked his spots and sizzled more in the 2nd half but not after making some silly fouls which were obviously meant to get him subbed out of the game for a breather.

Make no mistake about it, Gilas needs Blatche to win versus Iran. And Korea. And China. And those souped up Middle Eastern teams that we might run into if we are to make it to the next round.

As for our bigs: Sonny Thoss, Ranidel de Ocampo, Asi Taulava and Marc Pingris-- they are all proving that there is life for Philippine basketball sans 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo. Sure, Fajardo's the definite future of the game, but don't count out the old standard bearers just yet. Thoss has been moving his feet quite well in this tournament while proving to be a heavy force in the paint on both offense and defense, de Ocampo has embraced his new role as the resident enforcer, Pingris has been on and off due to foul trouble while Taulava continues to shine in limited bursts. With Blatche at the helm, we don't really need any of our local bigs to dominate the ball or call for isolations, so we don't really miss Fajardo as much as most of his fans would care to argue for.

Now about our guards... we're stuck with Dondon Hontiveros. He's been okay, some vintage streaks here and there, but well... it was either him or Gary David. And we've had enough of David when he suited up for Gilas 2.

As for Jayson Castro, he's currently our top scorer with 15.7 ppg (Blatche is second with 15.3 ppg). What's nice about Castro is he's doing it in a very controlled manner-- he's no longer just barrelling into the lane for kamikaze drives and or the occasional kickout pass/ turnover. He's taking confident threes, driving when the opponent is sleeping and just bullying guys here and there when he feels like it. Basically, Castro has evolved into the point guard that we've all prayed he'd be (Jimmy Alapag's feel for the game and IQ plus Mark Caguioa's explosive scoring ability).

Then there's Golden Boy Terrence Romeo, who will probably see an out-of-this-world surge in popularity once his Gilas 3 campaign is said and done (if he hasn't already). Despite playing behind Castro and continuing to figure out his spots versus complex, "one-on-one forays unfriendly" zone defenses, Romeo still managed to be the team's 3rd best scorer with 13.7 ppg while not alienating any of his seniors.

Moving forward, Gilas needs to stay focused and not let up. This team is still not there cohesion-wise. The system that they're running... they often drop it in favor of one on one plays. Against a well-disciplined team like Iran and Korea, who basically run the same things from start to finish, this could spell our defeat. As far as breaking zone defenses... our shooters need to make shots. OR, Blatche, Abueva and Castro need to break it with elite-level plays.

What we love about Gilas 3 however, as compared to Gilas 1 and 2, is its consistency in terms of defense and effort. While we can't always score, we can count on Abueva, Rosser, Norwood, Pingris and Castro to come up with stops and lock guys up. We'll see how our defenders fare from here on out with the level of competition going up in the coming days.

Gold, silver or bronze.

Laban Pilipinas!

All In

There is more to these two words than just being a new marketing campaign for a local mobile network just so happens to be footing the bill for Gilas 3. These words, though short and straight to the point, reflect how every living Filipino basketball fan- regardless of PBA allegiance, should feel about the Gilas 3 team that is on its way to China for the coming FIBA Asia tournament.

Can the media do us all a big favor and stop featuring outsiders? Can they please stop quoting those who chose not to play for flag and country owing to whatever? We do not care about them, they will not be playing this September 23. They are nuisances, collectively, since they chose not to be part of the task at hand. They chose not to speak up, they chose to sit this one out, and even if we have every right to crucify and chastise them, the mere fact that we aren't, should be enough. So please, we do not care if Junemar Fajardo wants to visit the team in their final practices. Or if L.A. Tenorio, Marcio Lassiter and even Paul Lee get the green light.

The focus should be on Gilas 3.

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!

The Learning Curve

"Yo Jim, who's the kid with the blonde hair?"
(Photo credit to the owner)

First and foremost, it would be very wise indeed to temper expectations.

If you've been following both this blog and our Twitter page @kilikilishot, you'd probably crucify us for asking Gilas 3 to try and win big now in the ongoing 2015 William Jones Cup (and continue to do so en route to FIBA Asia). But, since this is the blog behind the Twitter account and here we are allowed to put more thought in what he type on the keyboard, we should all take a step back and belive in the process-- even if it means losing more games from here until September 23, when the FIBA Asia tournament commences.

Terrence Romeo, Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, Gary David, Dondon Hontiveros, Calvin Abueva, JC Intal, Gabe Norwood, Matt Rosser, Aldrech Ramos, Marc Pingris, Ranidel de Ocampo, Moala Tautuaa, Troy Rosario, Sonny Thoss and Asi Taulava.

Those are the guys that we brought to Chinese Taipei for the Jones Cup, with naturalized center Andray Blatche attending to some personal issues back in the United States. Head coach Tab Baldwin has been tinkering with his line-up so far, Yeng Guiao-style, in hopes of developing on-court chemistry among certain players who you would otherwise not expect to even look one another in the eye.

Against all odds

Talk about having to earn your keep
(Photo credit to the owner)

The late Richard Nixon, the 37th president of the United States, was once quoted for saying that "the strongest steel goes through the hottest fire." While we're not entirely sure that Gilas 3 has gone through the "hottest" of ordeals (yet, or maybe they're in the middle of it), they sure as hell aren't enjoying the cool breeze as they prepare for the FIBA Asia tournament this coming September 23.

Consider the following "challenges" that Gilas 3 has endured/ is enduring: the continued SMC player drama; Andray Blatche being overweight, losing an uncle and needing to tend to his ailing mother; Kelly Williams, on the very first official practice day for Gilas 3, tearing his MCL; JC Intal losing his father-in-law; expected injuries/ player-maintenance and the team's overall inability to practice as one, complete (and healthy) unit.

It would be very wise to temper all expectations, folks.

Let the madness ensue

Saan po yung biyaheng TNT?
(Photo credit to the owner)

Really, let it ensue. Let the madness that is the PBA pre-season wheeling and dealing commence!

Troy Rosario to Talk'n'Text, Kevin Alas to NLEX, Aldrech Ramos, Rob Reyes and Nino Canaleta to Mahindra

How can you not love this trade for TNT? They just landed this year's coveted 1st (Moala Tautuaa) and 2nd (Rosario) picks which basically ensures that they will remain a dominant force in the league for years to come. Don't hate on this so much if you happen to be anti-Team MVP, since this is basically the 2015 version of the 2010 mugging of Air21 wherein San Miguel basically and literally bought that year's 1st and 2nd picks-- Noy Baclao and Rabeh Al Hussaini. What goes around, comes around right? On the flip side, sister team NLEX will have to wait until sophomore Kevin Alas recovers from injury but once he does they should have one of the more exciting backcourts with Alas and rookie Garvo Lanete outside of GlobalPort's looming three-headed monster of Terrence Romeo, Stanley Pringle and Roi Sumang.

Thoughts on RoS' 2015 PBA Draft

Yung itsurang "uhm, sure kayo? Touch move?"
(Photo credit to the owner)

Admittedly, we are Rain or Shine Elastopainters fans.

We never hid it from anyone, though we do try our very best to remain objective anytime we get into the PBA Playoffs (ilista mo na yan!)/ Finals (forever bridesmaids). So this is basically our way of sharing with everyone here, our thought-process and feeling during the 2015 PBA Draft which we monitored online from overseas.

That's how much we love RoS, basketball and the PBA.

Yung tipong nagnanakaw kami ng tingin sa ibang window, kunwari nagta-type o may inaaral habang asa gitna ng office hours, tapos yung amo namin andun lang sa kabilang side ng kwarto patingin tingin kung nag bib0usy-busyhan lang kami o full on petiks ba.

Let's start with our first round draft pick, 3rd overall: MAVERICK AHANMISI

The Search for the Next Filipino Sniper

The GOAT
(Photo credit to the owner)

Time is quickly running out as you just spent what felt like a lifetime watching a brilliantly executed offensive play push the enemy ahead by two and on the cusp of the title.  The whole arena is on fire while your point guard screams at you and your teammates to get into position for one last shot at victory with no timeouts left to call. All the players, offense and defense, rush down the hardcourt. The mood is chaotic. You could barely hear your teammates and coaches on the bench screaming what play should be run and who should bring the ball down.

It doesn’t matter.

While the defenders try to stop the ballhandler, to whom you’ve already decided to put your whole trust on even before the game started, you run to the wings just above the three-point line.  Your man steps in front of you, so you take a strong cut in, only to run back out. You’ve been in this situation before. The math is simple: three is greater than two. This is why you’re here. Your man scrambles back, but is blindsided by a sturdy pick set by your favorite nuthouse of a power forward. Your point guard makes quick eye contact and in that same breath the dotted texture of the basketball is all that you feel on your fingertips.

The crowd is silenced. Every one falls helpless as you let it fly. There is no point in boxing out for the rebound as the buzzer rings.

2015 PBA Draft - 1st round Grades

"Here's the ball rook, run with it"
(Photo credit to the owner)

While the mood was unceremoniously subdued by new PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa's announcement that no trades were to take place in the 2015 PBA Draft proceedings, it was still quite a haul for most PBA teams, the applicants and their followers.

Honestly, this year's draft made the most sense for all the teams involved since most went to address their immediate needs rather than just blindly bobbing for apples. A few surprises/highlights include the Sinag/ Gilas Cadet alumni being picked early, Coach Yeng Guiao's "we need a big/ wing but we'll draft a surprise PG pick anyway just to mess with you mock draft nerds," and above all-- Roi Sumang "dropping" all the way down into the 3rd round after being projected as a possible and legitimate first round talent.

Because the 2015 PBA Draft went all the way down to the 6th (!) round and we, admittedly, have little to no idea about some of the names chosen, we'll stick with handing out grades for the 1st round selections.

1. Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters - Moala Tautuaa
When Tautuaa opted to throw his hat into the PBA D-League last year in hopes of joining the 2015 PBA Draft, TNT basically moved some parts to ensure that they will be able to acquire his services (or Bobby Ray Parks, Jr.'s, who opted not to join). Looking at the 6"7 Fil-Tonggan, it's easy to understand why TNT would go for him at this spot after losing Ali Peek to retirement and now Kelly Williams to injury and Jay Washington to a trade. He looked pretty solid while playing in the ABL and D-League, he has the size, speed and strength to combat any PBA big man, 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo included.
Grade: A

2015 PBA Draft Complete Results

Our heartfelt congratulations to the following amateur standouts who were selected in the recently concluded 2015 PBA Draft.

2015 PBA Draft 1st pick overall
Moala Tautuaa - Talk n Text
(Photo credit to the owner)

View the full list of draftees and which team they went to here:

Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters
1.1 Moala Tautuaa (PF)
3.9 Michole Sorela (C)
4.7 Joshua Cobillo (SG)
5.5 Emilian Vargas (SG)

Mahindra Enforcers 
1.2 Troy Rosario (PF)
2.2 Bradwyn Guinto (C)
3.2 Leodaniel de Vera (SF)
4.2 Michael Vincent DiGregorio (SG)
5.2 Alexander Austria (SG)

An uphill climb

The Beast, unleashed.
(Photo credit to the owner)

Here's a simple challenge for the everyday white collar, suit-wearing employee:

The most common and widely accepted way of tying a necktie is the everyday man's four-in-hand knot. You know it as your "go to" move when you're late for a meeting and don't really mind an uneven knot for as long as it looks like a God damn necktie tied around your neck. Did you know that there are 17 more ways (probably even more) to tie it? One of the more complicated ones is called the Christensen knot.

Now imagine entering a necktie-tying speed contest, versus natural Christensen knot users, while you only learned the blasted thing about a week ago.

The above scenario pretty much captures Gilas 3's current predicament, losing 2 games to unranked FIBA teams over in a pocket tournament in Estonia, somewhere in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. The first loss was to the Netherlands, 62-89, wherein Gilas 3 was pretty much made to look like a bunch of amateurs that have never organized correct basketball. The second was against host Estonia, 80-90, wherein Gilas 3 looked like they were able to adjust to some of the things that were going on but in reality it was more of the host country opting to sit their stars in the 4th quarter and take their "foot off the gas" so to speak.

This is going to be a process.

Small moves, new beginnings

Still waiting for Jervy to live up
to his Baby Patrimonio potential
(Photo credit to the owner)

Finally, a couple of PBA off-season deals that we could write about!

Who would've thought that it would be the GlobalPort Batang Pier squad of Boss Mikee Romero doing all the wheeling and dealing off/ pre-season? And no, it's not to serve at any of the two giant corporation's pleasure even but to actually try and continue building a legitimate darkhorse contender for the coming season.

There are rumors however that this is only the beginning, and that more trades will follow suit. No worries, the more trades and transactions there are going into next week's 2015 PBA Draft, the more copies we can write, rave and rant about!

Tuloy ang ligaya kahit off-season!

Jervy Cruz to GlobalPort, Jewel Ponferada + 2015 PBA Draft 2nd round pick to Rain or Shine

#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.