Letter to Manny Pangilinan

Mr. Manuel V Pangilinan
Chairman 
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas
c/o SMart Gilas Manager Frankie Lim


Dear Sir:


     First of all, let me just say that I am a fan of your moves since you have taken over the SBP.  From the developmental league to the multiple year plan with Smart Gilas, I believe Philippine basketball is in your capable hands.  


     Speaking of GIlas, I recognize the advantages of hiring a naturalized foreigner to play as our center.  As well as GIlas is playing, it is easy to see we need a big man to provide us inside stability, rebounding and shot blocking.  That's why I am just as perturbed as you that our first two naturalization candidates have not worked out for us.  That's why I did my own scouting reports and I have three candidates for you.

     I was hoping the SBP, through scout Jim Kelly and coach Rajko Toroman, would take a look at asking Greg Stiemsma to join us.  This former Wisconsin player plays center for the Sioux Falls Sky Force and he could be the defensive center we desperately need.  The 6'11", 260 pound Stiemsma currently averages 7.7 points (on .492 shooting), 6.8 rebounds, and more importantly, shoots a commendable .886 percentage from the free throw line and a whopping 3.5 blocks (NBDL league leader) in just 26 minutes of action.  I've seen Stiemsma play and he really does have center instincts, always around the basket to protect it and he is athletic enough to rotate quickly.  His free throw percentage also suggests an ability to hit mid range shots, which neither of our earlier candidates could do.  Gilas would need a classic center, and Stiemsma could be the answer.

       Another option would be to ask Rod Benson to join us.  If you are not familiar with this 6'10", 225 pound Cal grad, allow me to fill you in.  Benson is currently playing for the Reno Big Horns of the NBA's Development League (NBDL), after almost making it to the Indiana Pacers line up.  As a Bighorn this year, Benson is carting averages of 13.5 points (on .507 shooting percentage), 8.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and more importantly, 1.7 blocks and 1.5 steals per game.  These numbers suggest that he may be what we need... a defensive big man who can rebound, steal and block shots. Another plus for would be intelligence, as evidenced by his quirky and entertaining writing which is featured in his blog, www.toomuchrodbenson.com  This plus the fact that he has played professionally abroad, will no doubt help him acclimate to our culture and Gilas' offensive and defensive patterns.

     The last candidate would be Dwayne Jones of the Austin Toros.  If the team feels a greater need for rebounding and scoring, Jones is the man.  He is a monster of the boards, leading the NBDL by averaging over 15 a game (including 6 offensive).  He is not bad on the offensive end either with averages of 16.8 points (on .611 shooting) and a respectable .704 free throw percentage.  He blocks well too at 1.9 blocks a game.  Certainly, if this 6'11", 251 pound forward-center can dominate the inside against future NBA stars, he would do well with the Smart Gilas team.  


     There you have it, three candidates I am almost certain will be the answer for the gaping hole our national team has in the middle.  I hope you get the chance to contact them.  Who knows, maybe they would find the prospect of joining our national team an enriching and fun experience.




Sincerely,
From The Fifty Peso Seats