Rumors, Facts and Humor

     In what was clearly their ugliest game of the 22nd FIBA Asia Champions' Cup, Smart Gilas Pilipinas managed a 74-64 victory over upstart Duhok Iraq.  Former Gilas naturalization candidate C.J. Giles saved his best game for his former mates, producing a 20 point, 23 rebound performance. Gilas, as usual, spread the wealth with Marcus Douthit (14 points, 15 rebounds), Marc Barroca (12 points, 8 rebounds) and Chris Tiu (11 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists).  Meanwhile, let's go showbiz with some "rumors, facts and humor."


Rumors

1.  Forget the salary cap conspiracies.  Joe de Vance has become a regular fixture at the Gilas games, and he tweeted some kind words about the team.  Since he's now Air 21 (or could he be headed to an MVP-owned team?), isn't it a possibility that he be released in time to practice with Gilas if Kelly Williams is unavailable?


2.  Coach Rajko Toroman was as animated as ever, especially with tons of questionable calls throughout the game.  He got into animated conversations with Duhok players Chudnay Gray and Qutaiba Al-Doori as well.  What were they talking about? 





Facts


1.  Continuing with the showbiz theme, here's the list of special guests in tonight's game.  Former PBA great (and national team player) Chito Loyzaga, Joe de Vance, Sean Anthony, Smart Gilas owner Manny V Pangilinan, former Xavier School standout Jean Alabanza, Don Don Hontiveros' "special friend" Valerie Concepcion and coaches Chot Reyes and Ryan Gregorio.


2.  Tonight was the first night that Kelly WIlliams was in attendance.  He was immediately welcomed by the team and they welcomed him on the bench.  

3.  An example of GIlas' balanced scoring would be a look at their guards. JV Casio, Marc Barroca, Chris Tiu and Marcio Lassiter are all averaging between 9 and 10 points per game.  Their point totals? 30 (Barroca), 29 (Tiu), 28 (Casio) and 27 (Lassiter).


4.  Duhok import Chudnay Gray scored 13 early points in the 1st quarter, keeping Duhok close.  Once Chris Tiu (2nd/3rd quarter) and Marc Barroca (4th quarter) were assigned to defend him, he only managed 3.


Humor

1.  At the halftime break, two Duhok players Ahmed Al-Tameemi and Mohammed Mahdi were not even asked to join the team in the locker room.  The coach pretty much made it clear that the two, left to shoot baskets by themselves, had absolutely no chance of playing anyway. Talk about confidence building (lack thereof).


2.  Qutaiba Al-Doori of Duhok was the latest in the line of individuals receiving the "Boo" treatment from the Pinoy crowd at the Phil Sports Arena.  Al-Doori joins KL Dragons import Marcus Morrison in the list of players clearly bothered by the booing.  Both players failed to score more than a basket after the crowd began booing them exclusively.  Pinoys should perhaps prepare and begin the "Boo" treatment early on Osama Dahgles or former Shell import Jameel Watkins in Gilas' next game versus ASU Jordan.


     Gilas goes for the top spot in Group A tomorrow, Wednesday, June 1 at the Phil Sports Arena in Pasig (formerly Ultra) against ASU Jordan.  Game time is at 8 pm and tickets are still available at the venue and at any SM tickets outlet.  See you there!!!