Future of Gilas: The Unknown Giants

Thanks to the hard work and commitment of Manny V. Pangilinan and his men, Philippine basketball was given a relief from the Narvasa-PBA saga, when they managed to claim the hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, together with Indonesia and Japan.

That give coach Chot Reyes five years to prepare the best possible team to compete in the biggest basketball extravaganza. 

To begin the preparation, coach Chot provided 23 names of very young players that he wants to compete for spots in that 2023 team. In a better way of saying it, he introduced to us the future of Philippine basketball.

CARL VINCENT TAMAYO

He is only 16 years old like the gigantic Kai Sotto. In terms of height, he is not that far because he already 6'7. Watched the first six minutes in this game and you will see the promise on Tamayo.

The most tantalizing play for me, happened in 4:37. He attempted a three-point shot! He is only 16 years old and he is tall and he is already practicing a three-point shot! That is a great recipe for a "unicorn".

I also love the fundamentals that he already have. From his shooting form and from his discipline in defending shots at the rim. I did not saw any red flag about him, so the sky is still the limit for him!

KEMARK CARINO
The third tallest player in the list was Kemark Carino. He is only 19 years old and he will play for San Beda in the 2018 season of NCAA. Just like Kai Sotto, Kemark is very lean with his 6'9 stature. 

In the 2016 FIBA Asia Under-18, we saw what Carino can bring. He averaged 7.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.9 blocks. That 2.9 blocks was the best mark in that tournament. 

By the way, he produced that in only 15.4 minutes of play. 

Here was the negative thing though. He was limited to 15.4 minutes because of foul trouble. He averaged 3.9 fouls per game. Meaning, he will commit his fifth foul at around 20-22 minutes of the game, which is ridiculous! 

Nevertheless, height is might in basketball. Let us check his highlights.

The most interesting piece that I observed was his love for one-handed shots. The form is not yet a hook shot but if he can get there, we could be witnessing the Filipino  version of the patented Sky Hook of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. 

He plays with menace which is a good thing for a Filipino player.

Overall, he is different from Tamayo and I think the player that he wants to be is someone that the Philippines had never witness.