Coach Yeng Guiao of the Red Bull Barakos has now been named as the Head Coach of the Men's National Basketball Team of the Philippines. In line with Coach Yeng's Maverick style, he has already ditched the try outs and he said he would just name the team/pool and then start practicing. Being a meddler, I decided to give my two cents worth of advice, whether he wants it or not.
Keeping in mind that this team is only being formed for the FIBA Asia Tournament in 2009, I see no need to form a team with players filled with "potential." The team should be filled with players who will be good in 2009. I picked my team with the traditional 2 players per position plus two extra players and here they are by position, and I picked as if only PBA players could be picked.
Center - In amateur games, the center is mostly relied on to rebound and defend, not really pound the ball inside. The SBP plans to get a naturalized center to play for us, so if that were the case, these choices would be scrapped.
Starter: Pauliasi Taulava (Coca Cola Tigers) - Asi is still the best "big" we have, even at age 34. He seems to be in shape for this season, so in another season he will still probably be the best. At 6'9" and over 270 lbs, he will provide the bulk and size to defend the paint and rebound. More importantly, he checks his ego at the door. He never pouts if he doesn't get his shots.
Reliever: Michael Pennisi (San Miguel Beermen) - Mic is another big bodied and tough 6'9" center and he does possess an outside shot that can help draw out the defense. More importantly, he is our resident "bad guy," an enforcer that isn't afraid to get tough with the opponents. We need toughness to intimidate opponents and Mic is what the doctor ordered.
Power Forward - Power forwards in recent amateur tournaments have morphed into tall, athletic players that can play both outside and inside. Big bruisers like Karl Malone type players are no longer in style.
Starter: Kelly Williams (Sta. Lucia Prime Properties) - The PBA Most Valuable Player is just that, valuable. 6'6" and freakishly athletic, he will contribute on both defensive and offensive rebounding and he can defend both in the post and outside. It doesn't hurt that he can shoot too.
Reliever: Jean Marc Pingris (San Miguel Beermen) - While Pingris' outside shooting can be described as spotty at best, he has a tremendous nose for the ball that helps him get to every rebound and loose ball available. While he is a mere 6'4", his athleticism and unusually long arms more than make up for that.
Small Forward - Small forwards will need to be able to able the post in the zone defense, and they may also be asked to defend outside. Outside shooting will be key as well as they may be the ones left open in the outside most of the time.
Starter: James Yap (Purefoods TJ Giants) - Another former MVP, Yap was not given a chance in the previous national team, but he is deadly from the outside and lately, he has developed some deceptively quick slashing moves. Meanwhile, he should be athletic and built enough to play down low on defense.
Reliever: Arwind Santos (Air 21 Express) - The jack of all trades is an excellent small forward as well. While being reed-thin, he has the uncanny ability to get to a lot of loose balls and defend anyone from point guard to small forward. His athleticism and long arms are probably the reasons why. On offense, he has developed a great outside shot and he is also a great offensive rebounder.
Shooting Guards - Well, they have to be able to shoot, but they need to be able to slash through the defense or run downcourt for a fast break play. Most importantly, they need to be unaffected by playing against usually bigger and longer defenders.
Cyrus Baguio - "Skyrus" has really developed into a prime time player last year and while man still doubt his abilities, they really shouldn't. His slashing and high-flying offense has now been augmented by his suddenly-reliable three point shot. Besides, he is already familiar with Coach Yeng's style so that is a plus. Furthermore, he seems a good locker room presence and he can bring a team together, as evidenced by the South All Stars horrific but funny dance number during the PBA's All Star Game.
Reliever: Willie Miller (Alaska Aces) - The thriller is way too unpredictable for some coaches' tastes, but he fits the bill actually. He does have a solid outside shot and he can certainly slash through the defense. As long as he is used in spurts, he will prove to be an effective player in his position.
Point Guard - There is no position as important as PGs will b the coach on the court, directing the plays. Adding PGs with outside shots and slashing abilities will make the offense even more potent so it would be a good idea to get players that fit the bill.
Starter: Jimmy Alapag - One of the previous national team's brightest stars, Jimmy can control the offense and play both slow down and sped up ball. His outside shot is pretty great and he can take the ball to the hole despite his diminutive size. He just needs to stop taking pull up threes, that's all.
Reliever: Anthony Helterbrand - The Fiesta Cup's best player, Jay Jay is also excellent at the PG position. Previous knocks of him being a shooting guard and not a point are now unfounded as he proved last conference. He can pass, he can shoot and he definitely can slash to the basket. His in between game (medium range jumpers and pull ups), will be very effective in the amateur game.
Two extra slots - With all five positions filled, the two extra slots should be given to players that can play multiple positions, plug in the holes, so to speak.
Slot 1 - Gabriel Norwood (Rain or Shine Paintmasters) - Gabe, with his height and athletic ability, would be able to play four positions, and he seems willing and able to do it. His ability to play the point makes him a valuable third guard and he would be most effective at shooting guard. His outside shooting is not as reliable as I would want, but a year in the PBA should help things along.
Slot 2 - Ranidel de Ocampo (Air 21 Express) - Ranidel is another player that can play multiple positions, from SF to Center. He has a dizzying array of post moves and his outside shot is very reliable as well. Besides, he and his side burns provide the team with another tough guy to enforce some intimidation.
With this line up, Coach Yeng will have the quick, athletic team that plays tough defense and shoots from the outside. With all the long armed and high leaping players, he can put on a stifling pressure defense (ala La Salle) and go for easy hoops by forcing turnovers. The team should also be able to play great half court offense with its wide array of shooters. Meawhile, half court defense won't be a problem as well, what with all the tough guys in there.
So what about it Coach Yeng? You can thank me next time.
