Gilas Last Cut: Lebron Lopez over Mike Nieto?

 

So, the Final 12 that will banner the Philippines in the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers to Belgrade, Serbia is already complete.

The final twelve are Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, RJ Abarrientos, SJ Belangel, William Navarro, Justine Baltazar, Isaac Go, Jordan Heading, Geo Chiu, Mike Nieto, Carl Tamayo, and naturalized big man Ange Kouame.

In my opinion, Lebron should not have been the final cut. It should have been Mike Nieto. That is even backed by their reason for cutting Jaydee Tungcab.

Tungcab, a University of the Philippines alumnus, was not taken as part of the team because the team wants to emphasize length and height.

So, why did they let go of one of their longest and tallest wings, and kept their slowest and smallest wing? It doesn't make sense.

Coach Ryan Gregorio, Special Assistant to the President, and coach Tab Baldwin, even emphasize the potential of Lebron.

So, why did they cut a player with a much higher chance of getting into the 2023 FIBA World Cup line-up for someone who will surely not be part of it?

Nope. I am not saying that Lebron over Nieto is a better decision. I am just confused about their reasons, which are not lining up.