Gilas Pilipinas' recent decision to thrust Dwight Ramos into the primary point guard role after Scottie Thompson's injury has raised eyebrows. While Ramos' willingness and past experience under Coach Tab Baldwin are admirable, questions linger about whether this is the best course of action for the team, especially with the pressure-cooker environment of the upcoming Olympic Qualifiers.
Here's why some fans might be hesitant: Ramos has been flourishing as a secondary playmaker. Shifting him to the lead guard position creates a new learning curve under immense pressure. This could potentially hamper his overall effectiveness, especially considering the limited time for adjustment. The current backcourt rotation with Ramos, Chris Newsome, and CJ Perez seems to be a well-oiled machine. Each player complements the others, and Ramos' scoring and defensive energy have been valuable assets. Disrupting this synergy might hinder their overall performance on the court.
Adding to the confusion is the absence of Robert Bolick, arguably the PBA's best point guard, from serious consideration. His experience and natural playmaking abilities could be a game-changer for Gilas in the qualifiers.
There are, however, some silver linings. The article mentions Ramos' prior training under Coach Baldwin, suggesting a certain level of comfort with the point guard role. His positive attitude and dedication to the team are also encouraging signs.
Perhaps the ideal scenario lies in a shared responsibility. Ramos can split playmaking duties with Newsome and Perez, allowing him to maintain his scoring and defensive contributions. This approach would leverage his strengths while minimizing the pressure of being the sole playmaker.
Ultimately, Coach Cone deserves the benefit of the doubt. His championship pedigree speaks for itself. However, making Ramos the primary point guard is a gamble, and only time will tell if it pays off for Gilas Pilipinas in the crucial Olympic Qualifiers. The success of this decision might hinge on Ramos' ability to adapt quickly and seamlessly integrate his playmaking duties with his existing skillset
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