Coach Tim Cone unveiled his 12-man pool for the Gilas Pilipinas squad, sparking excitement for the national team's future. While the roster boasts a blend of established veterans and rising stars, whispers of "what ifs" linger with a few notable absences. Here are three players whose exclusion raises intriguing questions:
1. Thirdy Ravena: Love him or hate him, Thirdy Ravena is on fire in Japan's B.League this season. Averaging 12.9 points on 51% shooting, 5.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals, he's playing arguably the best ball of his career. While some fans remain lukewarm, his explosiveness and scoring prowess could have added valuable firepower to the Gilas backcourt.
2. Jordan Heading: Gilas has long craved a pure point guard, and Heading fit the bill perfectly. His playmaking skills and clutch shooting would have bolstered the offense, providing much-needed ball distribution alongside the likes of Scottie Thompson. His exclusion leaves a question mark regarding the team's point guard rotation.
3. Justine Baltazar: While Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo made the cut, the absence of Justine Baltazar raises eyebrows. Coach Cone himself acknowledged Baltazar's defensive dynamism.The controversy before the Asian games might be a factor, but his defensive abilities could have complemented the existing roster well.
It's crucial to remember that Coach Cone has a vast understanding of the game and his reasons for each selection. The chosen 12 represent his vision for the team, and their performance on the court will ultimately tell the story. However, the potential of the snubbed players leaves room for speculation and debate, adding a layer of intrigue to the already-hyped national team journey.
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