National Pastime

     Since I began taking note and covering Smart Gilas months after its inception, I've noticed one thing.  No matter what Gilas has or has not achieved, people always post line up suggestions on the comments section of any website or blog.  I've jokingly called it the, "national pastime," since everyone's been doing it.  As with all pastimes, though, it really isn't worth doing unless you do it right.

     Before engaging in my own version of this national pastime, we have to consider certain realities.  First, the only reason why Gilas is asking for PBA players is because of the tremendous pressure the nation is putting on them to produce immediately.  Given the chance, I'm sure Toroman would like this current Gilas team to train until 2016 so the players can mature and gel better, but impatient so-called experts and nationalists are forcing their hand to produce immediately.  Second, Coach Toroman never said he wanted 5 PBA players so he could end up picking just 3 or even 1.  Third, Toroman's picks for PBA players only serve to augment the team, not change it.  This means he needs players than can adapt to the system quickly, not just lights out shooters. 

Pick 1 : Asi Taulava, 6'8" Center (Meralco Bolts)


      This pick is probably the easiest and I will be tremendously surprised if Asi isn't donning Gilas colors soon.  Asi is still the biggest (in terms of heft) center we have and he would make a good defender/rebounder to sub in during the few minutes Marcus Douthit needs to rest.  He's stronger and defends better than any other choices so called experts are throwing out like Sonny Thoss (gets lost on defense, questionable durability) or Samigue Eman (ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?)  Besides, Asi has played for Gilas and he was invaluable to them in the Dubai International tournament.

Pick 2: Kelly Williams, 6'6" Forward (Talk n Text Tropang Texters)


      Another easy pick, at least for me.  I've always thought of Kelly as a 6'4" athletic forward until I saw him practice with Gilas.  Look closely and you'll see Kelly is huge.  His combination of strength and leaping ability is a package we sorely lack at the "4" position.  Others are calling for names like Jay Washington (injured; too soft on defense) or Joe De Vance (not available; lacks conditioning), but Williams is still a better choice.  While his jumper is iffy at best, the toughness, defense and rebounding he will provide far outweighs the offense other names being offered can (but may not) provide in international basketball.  Besides, he's played for Gilas too.

Pick 3: Don Don Hontiveros, 6'2" Guard (Air 21 Express)


      This is tough, as Hontiveros wasn't even mentioned in an earlier PBA wish list released by the media.  Lately, though, there has been some buzz about him, and with good reason. Hontiveros is a complete package as he plays good defense, shoots quickly, rarely gets injured and most importantly, whip smart.  In Toroman's system, guards do the most and they have the most to learn in a short period of time.  With that kind of time limit, isn't it a good idea to get the smartest one?  The PBA doesn't lack in quality shooting guards, but other names thrown out like Cyrus Baguio (iffy defense), James Yap (iffy conditioning and defense), Willie Miller (inconsistent coachability) and Ryan Reyes (iffy jumper and desire) lack one or two things that Hontiveros has.  Now, everyone seems to want Yap on the team, but honestly, the only reason why he's being picked is his star power.  Gilas is hoping him joining the team stops people from hating on them too much.  I am in awe of Yap's scoring ability, but at this point, I'd prefer Hontiveros.

Pick 4: Jimmy Alapag 5'9" Guard (Talk n Text Tropang Texters)


      Admittedly, I highly doubt this pick happens but it could for only one reason.  If Toroman is still unsatisfied with Barroca's maturity at this point.  In tough situations, you can see Toroman turns to JVee Casio immediately, as he trusts him to run the plays much more.  Alapag also provides longer range shooting than Barroca, so he may be tapped for that as well.  Jimmy though tends to hoist a lot of ill-advised long shots and he is a step slower on defense now at his advanced age so Barroca may yet get that spot. One word though. For people who keep wanting Jimmy because opponents are supposedly "in awe" of him. Oh please. It was one team that looked for him. For all we know he made a friend and it was he who asked about him.  International teams play opposing teams and they could hardly care about individual players. Getting Jimmy could be a good idea because he is an excellent playmaker and he can shoot the lights out, but to get him to "scare" opponents? C'mon.  


      This post will probably come out just as Toroman makes his picks public too.  Whether I'm right on the money or not, though, I fully support Toroman.  He knows his stuff and when Iran let him do what he was supposed to do, they beat China twice.  


photos courtesy of ballerspinas.com, pinoyexchange.com, nba-live.com, pba-addicts.net