Checkin' Out Basketball in the Philippines.

BASKETBALL crazy Filipinos will always be basketball-obsessed, win or loss. It is sort of difficult how’d a competitive team fares in international contests from here onwards, after a dismal finish in this year’s FIBA tournament, but we can only hope. Although the team nicknamed Gilas and featuring Utah Jazz’s 6th man guy Jordan Clarkson, was able to salvage a convincing victory over China (for its sole win), still coaching was smothered with ridicule, insults, and shaming. 

       Yet I must say, Gilas’ debacle wasn’t due to flawed coaching per se. The team wasn’t bereft of individual talents or height even. Whatever skill the crew had didn’t perform and deliver as a team at all. Yes, there was no bonafide 3-point shooter, no dominant rebounder, no “bad boy” defender, and no courageous slasher. But more than anything else, there was no court management. Playmaking wasn’t there.

       In the past, the Philippine team had topnotch shooters like Allan Caidic, William “Bogs” Adornado, or Fortunato “Atoy” Co. Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez wasn’t a strong rebounder but he was a cerebral deliverer on the paint; he could pass, score, and lead a team. Playmaking, we had Sonny Jaworski, Hector Calma, or Ronnie Magsanoc. Then the daring inside incursions of Samboy Lim, Francis Arnaiz, Danny Florencio, or Rudy Soriano. 

       I am not exposed to those who came post 1990s, but as I said, the Philippines never had a shortage of individual talents. In the previous FIBA, I saw a bold driver inside in CJ Perez but this time, he wasn’t even used or there seemed to be no opportunity to execute what he did the last time. I am not impressed at all by 7’2” Kai Sotto or the much-touted 6’11” June Mar Fajardo. They have to impose themselves inside to create impact. They didn’t. 

       Gilas is not lost. Hoping we’ll do better next time. 🏀🇵🇭🏀

Photo credit: Philippine Primer.