The Kids are Alright

     So, the 2010 Jones Cup has concluded and to no one's surprise, Iran came out on top, yet again.  The Philippines' Smart GIlas, ended up 4th, toting an even 3-3 record.  Looking at the Gilas website, seeing all the panicked, doomsday-like proclamations of supposed, "concerned fans," about how GIlas is doomed and how PBA players are needed for victory,  I was/am incensed.  I am not paid by Manny Pangilinan or Smart GIlas, but I truly support their long term plan for basketball.  I even wrote about why I would bet on Gilas over any PBA team when playing international tournaments.  Rather than rehash all my statements in that article, I decided to play the numbers game.


Head to Head

     Most of the comments long for the inclusion of PBA players, saying the GIlas players were, "less-skilled," kids and the pros would have the capability to do better.  One of the strongest PBA-backed national teams played the Jones Cup last year, so I took a look at the numbers.  Going by team records, Powerade (PBA) finished 7th overall with a 2-6 win-loss record.  GIlas, as menioned finished 4th with 3-3.  It should already say something about Gilas that they needed less games to get to three wins, right?

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