With the success of the Gilas team in the last few weeks, it is just right to start looking to the highly anticipated 2023 FIBA World Cup that will happen here in the Philippines and nearby countries.
So, here is my latest article series where I provide my suggestion as to who should be part of the 12 man roster that will compete in the said event!
Bigmen
Kai Sotto - Kai'size was already an asset and he still has two years to even enhance it. I was also happy to see that coach Tab Baldwin run some plays through him and Kai delivered crispy passes. Can he grow into our own version of Nikola Jokic?
Junemar Fajardo - Depending on the severity of his injury, I think Fajardo is still a must for our national team. Having a post threat is still important, to have a better diversity on our offense.
JP Erram - To complete our bigman rotation, I think we need to have a stretch big who is also fundamentally sound on the defensive end. So, Erram will be my guy.
Forwards
Justine Baltazar - I love how he was focused on his role all throughout his most recent stint in Gilas. I think, he has the tools to be a Gabe Norwood type of player for us in 2023.
Carl Tamayo - We need an RDO type of player. Someone that we can rely on to score in the post and can stretch the floor. Tamayo can be that guy and he is more athletic and bigger.
Troy Rosario - Rosario is easily the most unique player in the PBA. A 6'7 off-the-ball three-point threat who can defend almost all the positions. Rosario is a must for our national team.
Wingmen
Matthew Wright - We need to have the best "ace" player in the PBA and I think that guy is Matthew Wright. He has the size to defend the wings in International play and the athleticism to create space.
Dwight Ramos - Another "ace" player type that coach Tab Baldwin is molding into a complete offensive player. Dwight looks more focused on the defensive end than Matthew but on the offensive end, they can actually play together even without a point guard.
RR Pogoy - This is to emphasize the importance of three-point shooting and defense. Pogoy is arguably the best 3-and-D wing in the league and can easily become an Allan Caidic in a game.
Paul Lee - I am fine with only having two point guards in the line-up because Wright and Ramos can also quarterback the offense. Lee can do it too and he arguably has the longest range from beyond the arc and again, that is very important.
Point Guards
Jordan Clarkson - If Clarkson can only play for us as a naturalized player, I hope SBP will do the right thing and play him as our naturalized player. Clarkson is the most talented player out there that can play for our national team.
Kiefer Ravena - It boils down to CJ Perez or Kiefer Ravena. I decided to go with Kiefer because he is arguably the best playmaking point guard by 2023.
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