rom all indications, the FIBA Asia Cup presents a tougher challenge to the Philippine squad, bannered anew by stalwarts from the Philippine Basketball Association. With a far deeper lineup of combatants, including Asian powerhouses China, Iran and Lebanon, the Filipinos need to extend themselves if they are to have a serious shot at duplicating their Jones Cup success.
For the 10-team field FIBA Asia Cup, the Philippines is bracketed in Group A along with China, Lebanon, Uzbekistan and Macau. Group B is composed of Iran, host Japan, Chinese-Taipei, Qatar and India.
The Asia Cup, formerly known as the Stankovic Cup, serves as a qualifier for the FIBA Asia World Championship next year. The top three teams in the about-to-start tournament gain an automatic spot for the Asia worlds.
Tasked to further the Philippines’ cause is the core that won the 2012 Jones Cup -- LA Tenorio of Barangay Ginebra Kings, Sonny Thoss of Alaska Aces, Gabe Norwood and Jeff Chan of Rain or Shine Elastopainters, Gary David of Global Port Batang Pier, Ranidel de Ocampo and Larry Fonacier of Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, JR Reyes of Meralco Bolts, Enrico Villanueva of Barako Bull Energy and naturalized player Marcus Douthit. Added to the roster were Jared Dillinger of Talk ‘N Text and Fil-Am guard Matt Ganuelas. Coach is still multititled bench tactician Chot Reyes.
Just like the Jones Cup, the FIBA Asia Cup should provide Gilas an opportunity to build further its legs as it prepares for bigger battles down the round. The team still grappled for practice time in the run-up as the players still needed to attend practices of their mother ball clubs in the PBA but it is bullish of its chances notwithstanding the heightened competition and the extra "X" mark on its back after its championship conquest at the Jones Cup.
The Philippine team is still undersized particularly in the frontcourt vis-a-vis the other teams competing. However, supporters of Gilas need not fret because as what was seen at the Jones Cup, it is not the be all and end all of one’s campaign especially if the crew is every bit committed to what it has set out to accomplish and does everything needed, big or small, to see it through.
The entry of Dillinger and Canuelas is interesting as they bring height in Smart Gilas’ guard rotation. It has long been observed that we need taller guards to compete better with tall teams in international basketball and if this version of Gilas can prove it is doable and we can develop such players, it bodes well for our cause in future competitions.
Another step for Smart Gilas, another chance to develop its game and program. All the best and continued success.
For the 10-team field FIBA Asia Cup, the Philippines is bracketed in Group A along with China, Lebanon, Uzbekistan and Macau. Group B is composed of Iran, host Japan, Chinese-Taipei, Qatar and India.
The Asia Cup, formerly known as the Stankovic Cup, serves as a qualifier for the FIBA Asia World Championship next year. The top three teams in the about-to-start tournament gain an automatic spot for the Asia worlds.
Tasked to further the Philippines’ cause is the core that won the 2012 Jones Cup -- LA Tenorio of Barangay Ginebra Kings, Sonny Thoss of Alaska Aces, Gabe Norwood and Jeff Chan of Rain or Shine Elastopainters, Gary David of Global Port Batang Pier, Ranidel de Ocampo and Larry Fonacier of Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, JR Reyes of Meralco Bolts, Enrico Villanueva of Barako Bull Energy and naturalized player Marcus Douthit. Added to the roster were Jared Dillinger of Talk ‘N Text and Fil-Am guard Matt Ganuelas. Coach is still multititled bench tactician Chot Reyes.
Just like the Jones Cup, the FIBA Asia Cup should provide Gilas an opportunity to build further its legs as it prepares for bigger battles down the round. The team still grappled for practice time in the run-up as the players still needed to attend practices of their mother ball clubs in the PBA but it is bullish of its chances notwithstanding the heightened competition and the extra "X" mark on its back after its championship conquest at the Jones Cup.
The Philippine team is still undersized particularly in the frontcourt vis-a-vis the other teams competing. However, supporters of Gilas need not fret because as what was seen at the Jones Cup, it is not the be all and end all of one’s campaign especially if the crew is every bit committed to what it has set out to accomplish and does everything needed, big or small, to see it through.
The entry of Dillinger and Canuelas is interesting as they bring height in Smart Gilas’ guard rotation. It has long been observed that we need taller guards to compete better with tall teams in international basketball and if this version of Gilas can prove it is doable and we can develop such players, it bodes well for our cause in future competitions.
Another step for Smart Gilas, another chance to develop its game and program. All the best and continued success.
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