After the undefeated run of the Philippines national basketball team in Pampanga and a gallant stand against Serbia, a lot of Filipino basketball fans are asking, should Gilas Pilipinas still consider PBA players?
I have been thinking about this topic for a few days now and I was confident that I will come up with a clear answer, which is yes, Gilas still needs the PBA.
But after what I witnessed against Serbia, I am not that confident anymore. In that game, Kouame led the team with 17 points and was supported by Jordan Heading and Kai Sotto.
The easy case for the need of the PBA is the talent level. It is pretty clear that there should be at least 50 PBA players out there who have higher skills than 3/4 of the current roster of Gilas 2021.
Nevertheless, the current fluidity and effectiveness of the execution of Gilas on both ends of the court, are brought by the willingness of the players to abide by a system and a better period of practice. Two things that could be hard for PBA players to commit.
The time commitment was also emphasized by coach Tab Baldwin. It seems like, he is willing to not even consider PBA players for the 2023 World Cup, if they will not commit enough time for training and preparation.
In short, the table may have been turned. Gilas may have more leverage now to ask the PBA to bend for their will.
If the PBA will not comply, it seems like Gilas now has the support of the public to go to the 2023 FIBA World Cup, without the #1 league of the country.
I just still prefer that there is support from PBA players . Look at their performance at present in Jordan. They are up only for 3rd placer.
ReplyDeletetotally agree w you. stood toe to toe w extremely physical middle east teams despite bad calls, with only 1 shotblocker (wala Kai and Edu).
ReplyDeleteGilas can now demand with their terms.. ok yan.. atleast meron talaga commitment sa roster.. if wont comply with the terms.. pass muna.. manalo, matalo atleast abide sa system ni Coach Tab..
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