Perils of Being a Visionary

     Being a visionary is tough. By definition you alone (or at most, a couple of people) see the vision of greatness you have in mind and most of the time, you're labelled as insane, arrogant or foolish. (Props to you if you get all 3.)

     When Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) took over the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), he saw a grand vision. He then put us on the road to that vision by setting up the Gilas program. Gilas 1 was the 1st crack. Rajko Toroman, himself a trail blazer who led Iran to the Olympics, gathered a group of amateur stars to form a national team who would play only for the national team. It was ambitious. Gilas 1? A fourth place finish, courtesy of yet again a heartbreaking loss to Korea, was the Philippines' best FIBA Asia finish since 1985. No Olympic berth? No PBA stars? Internet 'experts' and 'pundits' had a field day.

     "Insane, arrogant and foolish," they said. They didn't get it.

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State of the Nation

     With President Aquino delivering his 2nd State of the Nation Address, the Filipino basketball world unexpectedly got one too, as the improbable Smart (NBA) All Stars vs Smart Gilas Pilipinas became a reality.  Here's my Basketball SONA, shortened, of course.

• Sunday's game was the first time the final pool of Smart Gilas players were suited up together.  Only Ranidel de Ocampo, who was injured, didn't play.  Question is, with 15 players in the pool, who is losing a roster spot?  Dylan Ababou and Jason Ballesteros are probably resigned to their fate, but who will be the last cut? Is Marc Barroca in trouble with Jimmy Alapag there or are Japeth's defensive lapses costing him a spot?  Is it simply too late to add Ranidel de Ocampo?

• Coach Toroman's system is good, reason # 243:  Despite the presence of bonafide NBA superstars, the Gilas players showed nothing but determination throughout the game.  They ran the same plays crisply and none were tempted to break from the system to showboat.  In fact, the only players who seemed star struck were PBA vets Don Don Hontiveros and Jimmy Alapag.

• It's unfair to think that the game was "scripted" or the NBA Stars "took it easy (pinagbigyan)."  Their play was way different from Saturday's dunk-a-thon against the PBA selection.  Kobe played a ton of minutes and went after every ball.  Chris Paul seemed to be in pain yet played until the endgame.  Overall, the NBA stars attempted less dunks and lazy 24 footers, and scored on plenty of offensive putbacks and post ups.  Even Javale McGee couldn't find the time to plank.  By the 4th quarter, veterans Derek Fisher and Chris Paul were complaining to the refs and hitting guards Jvee Casio and Marcio Lassiter.  Gilas executed well and played with a lot of gumption and they earned every bit of that 9 point loss.

• It's also unfair to say the PBA has become a bunch of has beens or "puro papogi (showboats)."  The PBA selection never had time to play together so they had no plays.  Resorting to one on one plays played right into the NBA's hands, hence the 26 point shellacking.  It is fair, however, to point out that that game is the perfect example of why the Gilas program must continue.  PBA selections may be loaded with talent, but they will never have the time to prepare for years and no one can force them to since the PBA is a private enterprise.

• Gilas players and coaches have all said it, and it is worth repeating.  The best part about the game is not that they got to play NBA stars or that we got to see them.  For 3 basketball minutes, the entire Araneta Coliseum was united behind Smart Gilas Pilipinas, chanting "Defense!"  Compared to the last time they were playing in the same venue, where PBA die-hards were booing them, the 4th quarter of that game was a heartwarming moment.  Those 3 minutes mean more to the Gilas players than people can ever imagine.

• The best closing argument to defending the Gilas program ironically comes from the mouth of a foreigner.  "You just have to support this team," says 5-time NBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medallist Kobe Bryant.  He called the team "talented" and he marvelled at their execution.  Judging from the way Kobe scored and defended, it is easy to believe he meant every word.

     Everyone's thanking MVP for the "gift" of bringing the NBA players here, giving the country a rare chance to see NBA stars in their prime.  We are better served to thank him for another thing too.  The Ultimate All Star weekend also showed us a sight that has become all too rare.  The weekend showed us a tough, strong, talented, and united National Basketball Team that will make us proud by playing the same proud and disciplined way, regardless of who the opponents are.

many thanks to united philippine basketball and rodney torres for the pictures

Playing Santa 2010

     It's Christmas time once again and it's time to see who has been naughty or nice.  I still wish I could give them the gifts I assigned to them.


Naughty

Mark Joseph - The interim president of the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA) has been naughty, continuing to refuse holding an election for PASA leadership, while making his lack of leadership clear.  He has shown ignorance for his wards' difficulties, like the divers' problem with frog infestation in their pool or their accident in the Asian Games itself.


Gift: Proper elections to expose his poor approval ratings in the PASA

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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