Crack in the Dam

     Everyone knows it by now.  Smart Gilas Pilipinas placed fourth after losing two heartbreakers in the semi-final and battle for third games in the recently-concluded FIBA Asia Championships.  As expectations are not met and emotions run high, lost in all the hatred, armchair coaching, finger pointing and disappointment are the important things.


History Made

     People stuck on the fact that Smart Gilas lost the bronze are stuck on the wrong thing.  Entering the semi-finals of the FIBA Asia is not a easy thing to do for the Philippines.  Consider the fact that the last time the Philippines made the semi-final was in 1987.  Since that time, the country has voted (in some cases, apparently not) 4 presidents, endured at least 10 different coup attempts, as well as participated in 10 FIBA Asia tournaments (missing 1 due to suspension), but the country has never repeated the feat. Until this year.  When one considers that, plus the fact that Middle East teams like Iran, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan emerged as Asian powers over the past 6-8 years to make the list of top teams in Asia balloon to 8, and the fact that the Philippines once placed as poor as 15th (out of 16) less than a decade ago, one cannot help but appreciate the efforts of Smart Gilas.  Bearing in mind that the Gilas program was on its third year, you have to tip your hats off to them.  China's core group of players have been playing together for 5-6 years while runner up Jordan is on its fifth year.  In short, the program is on track, needing only more time.



System Upgrade

      Doomsayers can say whatever they want, but the foundation of a sustainable working program has been laid.  The Smart Gilas program has installed a system based on lots of movement without the ball, passing at least four times during each play and a relentless defense.  This system has brought respectability back to the country and has caused other countries to regard us with fear once more.  The way Gilas played speaks of a team completely at home and familiar with FIBA rules, something no other Philippine team, especially hastily-formed PBA All Star Teams, since 1987 can boast of.  It also proved that it can work without waiting hand and foot for the PBA to fix its schedule.  Yes, they needed PBA help, but it didn't need to harvest an entire team of pros to play well.  The best part about it is, the Gilas team can be replicated and improved.  Even if the players have all been drafted into the PBA, the key players can be called back into the team even on short notice since they have been indoctrinated with the program.  Plus, the Sinag program is seeking out new players to fortify the first Gilas team.


Breaking In

     Dams are imposing structures, strong enough to hold the strongest of waters.  When one is tasked to break it, it would seem to be impossible without being given the strongest of explosives.  As the staunchest critics of Smart Gilas love to point out, the players are too short, and they can't shoot 3s like Allan Caidic.  When a team is faced with the monumental task of breaking the dam that is beating Asia's best, and they are not given the necessary explosives to blow it up, what do they do?  They pick at it with a knife.  They pick at it slowly, until they make a crack and land in fourth place.  Then, they wait until the crack gets bigger and bigger and the dam finally bursts.  Smart Gilas, with its staunch dedication and discipline, has fashioned the crack and its important to remember that and wait.  It's important to let go of the hurt and pride and give the crack a chance to grow bigger.  Meanwhile, as we wait, we need to thank Smart Gilas, from Coach Rajko Toroman, to his coaching staff.  From its trainers and ball boys to the (formerly) amateur players to its PBA reinforcements, the country owes them gratitude for believing and taking on a task big enough to make the biggest of men cower in fear.  The country owes them for going at a dam with a pocketknife.