2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup news and updates

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From Tondo to Spain as Paul Lee hopes to add toughness to Gilas backcourt

PAUL Lee may be known for his offensive prowess, but more than that, his toughness is the one aspect he hopes to contribute if and when he makes it to the official lineup of Gilas Pilipinas for the Fiba-World Cup in Spain.

Lee was named by coach Chot Reyes on Friday as part of the 17-man pool team bound for the world basketball championships, and he believes his contribution at both ends of the court had earned him a second straight invitation to become part of the national squad.

Asked what he can give to the team if assured of a slot in the World Cup team, Lee without batting an eyelash replied, “toughness at saka basketball IQ.”

“Siguro `yung nakikita nila sa akin sa laro, `yung mga nilalabas ko sa game,” added the Rain or Shine stalwart.

People with whom Lee had worked for could attest how resilient the brawny guard out of University of the East is, including no less than Rain or Shine co-team owner Raymund Yu.

“Paul kasi can be a very good addition to the Gilas team. Marami ang nagsasabi na he is slow for a point guard, pero sa akin, tingin ko, he is deceivingly slow. Kasi he can do a lot of things with his size,” said Yu, who has been giving his full support to the national team along with co-owner Terry Que.

Yu himself is surprised at how tough a player the man they referred to as `Angas ng Tondo’ is.

“Amazed ako sa toughness nung bata na 'yan. Napakatapang. Hindi siya takot makipag-banggaan kahit sa mga mas malalaki sa kanya,” said Yu.

During the playoff and the Finals of the recently concluded PBA Philippine Cup, Lee was actually tasked to defend against bigger guys like Doug Kramer, Marc Pingris, Joe Devance, Ian Sangalang, and sophomore behemoth June Mar Fajardo.

“Okay lang naman sa akin makipag-banggaan. Sanay na tayo. Kahit maliit ako, hindi ako pumapayag na mabu-bully sa loob. Yan din kasi isang pinagha-handaan ko nang husto,” said Lee.

Added the pride of Tondo, “si June Mar malaki yun masyado. Aminado ako nahirapan ako bumangga sa kanya. Kaso pinipilit ko. Yun ang naiutos sa akin eh.”

Rain or Shine assistant coach Mike Buendia said there is a reason why the team was prepared to take the gamble of having Lee guarding bigger opponents during the last playoffs.

“Kasi malakas at mabigat ang katawan ni Paul. Tapos maliit siya, naiilang yung malalaking binabantayan niya,” he said.

“Pansinin mo lagi siya tinatapat namin sa offensive switching ng kalaban. Tingin ko bagay siya sa Gilas, lalo na dun sa dribble and drive ni coach Chot (Reyes). Magaling mag-break down ng tao 'yan. Malaki pa siyang point guard,” added Buendia.

If and when he makes it in the Gilas official roster, Lee said he’d cherish it as another dream come true.

“Matagal ko na talagang pangarap maglaro sa Gilas. Pero sa akin lang kahit hindi ako makapasok sa Magic 12, yung ma-invite lang ako, malaking karangalan na sa akin yun at sa pamilya ko,” said the player picked No. 2  overall in the 2011 rookie draft.

This is the second time the former Rookie of the Year got an invitation from Reyes to play for Gilas. The first one came last June although Lee failed to show up as he was already scheduled to go to the US that time.

“Sayang nga 'yun. Pero ngayon talagang pinagha-handaan ko na,” he said.

From SPIN.ph

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Japeth Aguilar dreams big, targets a win or two against World Cup heavyweights

JAPETH Aguilar insists he’s not dreaming when he said Gilas Pilipinas is capable of pulling off an upset or two in this year's Fiba-World Cup, especially if the nationals stay focused on their goal.

“Basta ako kumbaga, ako yung tipo ng tao na I really dream big, so it doesn't matter sino makakalaban natin kasi libre namang mangarap eh,” Aguilar said after Gilas Pilipinas started practicing for the world basketball tournament on Monday night.

“Basta excited ako makatapat si (San Antonio Spurs guard) Manu (Ginobili). Eh malay mo manalo tayo.  It could happen basta manatili lang tayong focused sa goal natin,” he added.

Gilas Pilipinas is actually bunched in a tough bracket along with powerhouse Argentina, Greece, Croatia, Puerto Rico, and Senegal in Group B.

The 6-foot-9 Aguilar has become Ginebra's go-to-guy and scoring leader during the PBA Philippine Cup, averaging career-highs of 17.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks.

But he knows his role at Gilas will change once more, owing to national coach Chot Reyes' platoon of scorers at the wings and backcourt.

“I dont know kung ano magiging role ko ngayon (in Gilas) kasi sa PBA medyo nakaka-score ako. Pero handa naman ako uli mag-adjust eh,” said the 27-year-old former Ateneo and Western Kentucky stalwart.

“Hindi naman kasi kailangan umiskor dito dahil lahat ng guards namin umi-iskor talaga.”

The slam-dunking Aguilar came off the bench for Gilas in last year's Fiba-Asia Men's Championship, submitting averages of 5.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 15.0 minutes.

Gilas went on to place a strong second behind champion Iran in the tournament that earned the Philippines its first trip to the world championships since 1978.

From SPIN.ph

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Blatche bill passes 1st committee level but faces condition

MANILA, Philippines - Blatche to Spain?

House Bill 3783 - which seeks to grant Philippine citizenship to NBA player Andray Blatche, has been approved on committee level in the 16th Congress at the House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 5.

The initial hearing of the bill seeking to grant the Brooklyn Nets center Filipino citizenship was referred upon the Committee on Justice chaired by Iloilo Representative Neil Tupas and was approved Wednesday morning.

However, it is subjected under one condition before entering the plenary: Blatche should appear before a Philippine Consul General and affirm his desire to be naturalized.

If Blatche fulfills this reservation and the committee is satisfied, Tupas will schedule the second reading by next week, tentatively.

Congressman Robbie Puno - who is also the principle author of HB 2307 which gave Douthit his Filipino citizenship - filed the bills last month and it will have to undergo three readings in the lower house.

If approved, his bill will be taken to the Senate for three more levels before it shall await the President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino's approval.

A counterpart of Puno's bill to naturalize Blatche has already been filed in the Senate too by Senator Sonny Angara.

Pampanga representative and Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao was also in attendance for his bill (HB 2342) seeking to grant Philippine citizenship to boxing referee Bruce McTavish, who has been serving most local fight cards here and is an adopted son of Angeles City, Pampanga. He has been living in the country for over 40 years and supported many street children.

His bill was approved.

Puno says he's glad that the bill has finally been touched but he knows it is along way to go.

"Technically it has not been objected so I'm happy that it got support.," Puno said after the hearing.

"We will probably get the second reading before March 12 and upon resumption in May, we get the third reading while hoping the Senate counterpart also gets approved."

The 16th Congress takes a break from March 14 to May 5.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes, team manager Aboy Castro, assistant coach Jong Uichico, and naturalized big Marcus Douthit were also present. Reyes said he wishes for the best.

"I'm just hoping for the best," he said.

House Bill 3784 meanwhile is withdrawn by Puno since Javale McGee is injured and won't be able to play in the World Cup anyway. But he is open to filing another bill if Reyes still wants him in the future.

Gilas Pilipinas and 23 other teams have until July 30 to submit their lineups to FIBA for the 2014 World Cup of Basketball in Spain from August to September. READ: Gilas begins new, tougher journey to the FIBA World Cup

With the help of naturalized center Marcus Douthit, the Philippine national team finished 4th in the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship and bagged the silver in the 2013 edition here at home last August 2013.

From Rappler.com

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Douthit grateful for Gilas stint, ready to pass the torch

MANILA, Philippines - From one tower to another.

Ever since the arrival of 6-foot-10 American basketball player Marcus Eugene Douthit in the country last 2010, high hopes sprung from millions of die-hard Filipino hoop fans who wished for nothing but the best.

And with Smart Gilas looking for a naturalized big man, Douthit was indeed the perfect fit. He not only exerted effort on the hardcourt but embraced the Filipino culture whole-heartedly even before getting his PH citizenship. He lives here; his children goes to school here, and whenever he gets mobbed anywhere, he attends to fans' requests with a smile. After all, they are his fellow Pinoys.

Douthit got his Filipino citizenship by virtue of House Bill 2307 filed by Congressman Robbie Puno, which lapsed into a law in seven months. His presence in the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship in Wuhan, China helped the country finish 4th - the highest in over two decades. Two more years passed before we made history in the next FIBA Asia Championship last August 2013, finishing with the silver in front of a boisterous home crowd.

The one-time Los Angeles Laker draft pick says his stint with the national team has been a pleasure and he is grateful to be part of history.

"It feels good since everything that happened from Day 1 is pretty much history. It's always a great time to be part of history," he said during the committee hearing on House Bill 3783 which seeks to grant Andray Blatche PH citizenship as well.

"There are so many moments, but this past August, we made history. Hopefully there are more moments to come."


Ready to pass the torch

But the 33-year-old slotman knows the time will come when he'll pass the torch to a younger player. Andray Blatche of the Brooklyn Nets is possibly the next naturalized big man to enter the Gilas program should his papers make it in time.

Although Douthit may see it as competition, but if it's time to hang the 'Pilipinas' jersey up there, he is always for the best.

"That's how everything goes in life. You can only be at the top for so long. Anything that makes the program better, I'm all for it," Douthit told Rappler.

It was a trip that started in the MVP Cup in Manila and spanned several thousand miles across the globe before heading back home for its culmination in the FIBA Asia Championship three years after. All Douthit could ask for is to continue showering the next naturalized big with the same love they've shown 'kuya Marcus.'

"I'm very grateful for everyone's support. Whether I'm here or not, just continue supporting the next naturalized player and everyone else who becomes part of the program."

From Rappler.com

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Desire vs necessity: Solons weigh in on Blatche naturalization bill

MANILA, Philippines - House Bill 3783 - which seeks to grant Filipino citizenship to NBA player Andray Blatche - went through an exchange of ideas from congressmen even before passing the committee level on Wednesday, March 5.

The bill filed by Representative Robbie Puno before the Committee of Justice got a nod but not before the committee tackled the Brooklyn Net's desire to receive PH citizenship.

Thus, a condition has to be fulfilled before proceeding to the plenary level: Blatche should affirm his desire to be naturalized.

In his explanatory note, Puno said naturalizing Blatche is a need for the Philippine team to be competitive in the 2014 FIBA World Cup. He also cited that the practice of naturalizing players is allowed under FIBA rules and is done even by powerhouse teams.

"Our group mates at the FIBA World Cup will all have naturalized players. It is the new paradigm. Let's field the best team possible." he said.


Desire, not necessity

Party-list Congressman Silvestre Bello wants to get assurance first that Blatche is indeed serious before he gets handed the citizenship.

"Filipino citizenship is a sacred gift. We have to make sure that they (Blatche and Javale McGee) want to be Filipinos. We can't hand them citizenship easily by just joining one league (FIBA World Cup)," he declared.

He added: "If you want to be a Filipino, you have to show the world you want it."

"Besides, if we want to be really competitive then lets get James Lebron," he earlier quipped, mistaking the name of the 4-time NBA MVP which drew a few chuckles from the people present at the hearing.

Another lawmaker, Sherwin Tugna, says that while he thinks Douthit's arrival brought joy to the country, he wants Blatche to get accustomed to PH culture, too.

"This bill is born out of necessity. This will be an act of the nation in case he (Blatche) gets granted."

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes quickly answered those points, suggesting he is in constant communication with Blatche and his lawyers and that the NBA veteran is serious about playing for the Red, White and Blue.

"He is serious about playing here. He has given up time to be here," said Reyes, who even referenced an article from Yahoo! about Blatche signifying his intention to play for the South East Asian country.


Tupas: renounce previous citizenship

Justice Committee chairman Rep. Niel Tupas of Iloilo said a naturalization candidate should renounce his previous citizenship before acquiring a new one. But when Marcus Douthit, who was present to support the naturalization papers, was asked about his status, he said he holds dual citizenship.

That answer caused a bit of lull in the session, leading to a recess as officials discussed immigration laws.

Dual citizenship is both recognized in the United States and the Philippines.

And as far as Blatche is concerned, Reyes is confident he will embrace his new citizenship should the nation approve it.

"He will be an asset even after basketball. I'm sure he has an ongoing desire to play here and I don't see a reason for him to renounce citizenship," concluded the national team head coach.


Guiao: naturalized big is last piece in the puzzle

Pampanga Representative Yeng Guiao, who was also in attendance as his House Bill to naturalize New Zealand-born boxing referee Bruce McTavish was earlier approved, stated in his point of manifestation that in basketball, teams will normally rely on height.

And while Filipinos are well-crafted and skilled when it comes to the popular sport, Guiao says we aren't much gifted in height and the presence of a center will boost our chances.

"This is not to diminish the Filipino talent. It is a step in transition," Guiao stated, citing a naturalized big may boost the play of guys like June Mar Fajardo, Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar to a point that they may not need the services of another big man in the future.

"The commitment to play for the national team already signifies desire. I have no reason to doubt Reyes and Blatche."

Guiao even joked about the 2009 Team Pilipinas which he mentored, who only landed in 8th place.

"In 2009 I was the head coach and we were not privileged to have a naturalized big. I'm not sure whether it is my coaching, but we did not do as good," said the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters head coach.

HB 3783 has gone a long way right from its first reading, but principal sponsor Puno is hopeful we can race against time for the bill's passage.

"The process of lawmaking is a lengthy process but we have to deal with it. We're tight with the schedule but having naturalized players in your pool is a big help.

From Rappler.com

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Greg Slaughter backs out of Gilas pool

MANILA, Philippines - Gilas Pilipinas just got 7-feet shorter.

Former Gilas pool member Greg Slaughter has declined the invitation to play for the FIBA World Cup-bound Gilas Pilipinas.

The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel rookie big man made the announcement on Friday, March 7 as he appeared before the press during the first game of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

According to the 7-footer, he does not want to get in the way of the 12 Gilas Pilipinas members who bagged the silver in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships to qualify for this year's World Cup in Spain.

"I'm honored to be selected for that (Gilas). But just in my past 4 years of experience there, I know the feeling of having new people coming into something you've already started,” he explained. "And having that pressure of not knowing the roster spots and everything. I think the thing that they started back in August, they won that. I think that those 12 should be the ones to go on and represent the country in Spain and any future national teams after that I'll be more than willing to play for."

Slaughter, who was included by Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes to the now 17-man pool, said he first spoke to Reyes about his decision on Monday, March 3 after the first practice of the national squad at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

"Coach Chot's a very understanding person. He respected my decision and said it was okay."

He added: "I had consulted a lot of people about it. Prayed about it a lot. I just feel that it's right to people that started that, they worked so hard for that, the things they went through for that, they deserve this."

He said the decision in no way came easy to him. But he stands firm by it and looks forward to playing for the nationals in the future, after the time of this particular 12-man pool.

"I realize that the World Championship, that may be a once in a lifetime opportunity. But hopefully in the future we can make it again."

He said he also won't be playing for the Asian Games at Incheon, South Korea.

Slaughter, a former Ateneo Blue Eagle, was drafted first overall in the 2013 rookie draft, was among the last to be cut from the Gilas roster for last year's FIBA Asia Championships.

From Rappler.com

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Marcio Lassiter withdraws from Gilas pool

MANILA, Philippines - Friday night brought not one but two losses to Gilas Pilipinas.

Following the announcement of Greg Slaughter to back out from the Spain-bound Gilas Pilipinas pool, former Smart Gilas member Marcio Lassiter also announced he will not be making another tour of duty for the nationals this time around.

The 26-year old San Miguel Beermen guard cited he wants to give way to last year's FIBA Asia team--the same reason Slaughter opted to decline the Gilas offer as well.

"For me, personally, it wouldn't feel right for me to take away from the players who deserved it, the 12 guys who actually played there. They rightfully deserve it," Lassiter explained.

"I feel like they have some unfinished business to handle in Spain and if I was in the same position as them, for someone to come in and try to take my spot, it'll be hard to give up something I deserve. In that aspect, that's the reason I'm withdrawing my name from the pool."

Like Slaughter, Lassiter made the announcement during a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) game day for the Commissioner's Cup on Friday, March 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

He clarified that his decision was solely personal and there was no outside interference.

"This wasn't a management decision, this is totally personal for me. San Miguel and SMC did not have any decision over this."

He added: "For me, being part of Gilas 1, I experienced it. I know what it takes. It's just the timing for it just wasn't there and if ever it comes down the road, I would always be glad to give my services."

The 6-foot-2 Lassiter donned the national colors from 2010 to 2011, participating in various international tournaments including the FIBA Asia Stanković Cup, the William Jones Cup, the Asian Games and the Southeast Asia Basketball Championship.

He also added that health reasons also contributed to his decision to withdraw. He said it stemmed from the injury he sustained in the Philippine Cup in 2012.

"If I'm not a hundred percent I wouldn't want to jeopardize the Gilas team or put the team down. That is also an issue for me," Lassiter explained.

Lassiter said he also informed Gilas head coach Chot Reyes about his decisions.

"We had a sit down to talk about this. We spoke together to make sure we're on the same page and just to make sure he understood what was going on."

The 7-foot bigman Slaughter also earlier said he was backing out of Gilas to make way for the 12 members of the Gilas squad who made a historic run in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships, where they finished with a silver medal and a ticket to the FIBA World Cup this August.

Lassiter noted he and Slaughter spoke about their decisions as well but stressed his decision was strictly based on his own personal reasons.

Both Slaughter and Lassiter were named to the Gilas pool by Reyes as additions to the original 12. With the two pulling out, Gilas is now reduced to a 15-man pool.

Reyes took to Twitter to say that he respects both of their decisions.

It is not certain whether or not Reyes will replace the two. But he did post another tweet Friday night saying, "We're 15-strong. We've always faced adversity. We've always found a way, or we will die trying."

From Rappler.com

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Did San Miguel have a hand in Slaughter, Lassiter decision to pull out of Gilas pool?

RUMOR: San Miguel Corp. was behind the decision of Greg Slaughter and Marcio Lassiter to pull out of the Gilas Pilipinas pool to the Fiba World Cup and Asian Games.

 
FACTS: When Greg Slaughter of Ginebra and San Miguel guard Marcio Lassiter pulled out one after the other from the Gilas Pilipinas pool on Friday night, accusing fingers were inevitably pointed at San Miguel Corp. as being behind the decision.

The suspicion, of course, is understandable.

The giant conglomerate, which owns three teams in the PBA and controls as much as six if you believe talk in the grapevine, had not been too eager to lend players to this version of the national team which, it should be pointed out, is run by people associated with the rival MVP group.

For the team to the last Fiba-Asia championships alone, San Miguel's three teams loaned a grand total of four players to Gilas, namely Marc Pingris from San Mig, June Mar Fajardo from Petron/San Miguel, and LA Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar from Barangay Ginebra.

However, it should be pointed out that Aguilar and Tenorio were already part of the Gilas pool even before they moved to the Ginebra camp. In effect, the San Miguel teams never really went beyond the one-player-per-team policy agreed upon by the league board.

Now comes the new Gilas Pilipinas pool where national coach Chot Reyes added five players to the original lineup that finished second to Iran in the last Fiba Asia championship in Manila, thereby earning a place among the world's finest in the Fiba World Cup in Spain.

Interestingly, from the five new faces Rain or Shine's Paul Lee and Beau Belga as well as Meralco's Jared Dillinger jumped at the chance to suit up for Gilas while the two players from San Miguel-controlled teams - Slaughter and Lassiter - have suddenly dropped out.

Lassiter made a quick denial when asked if management had a hand in his decision to quit the pool, saying it "wouldn't feel right" if he denies a Gilas original a ticket to Spain while citing his battle with injuries as having had a hand in his decision.

"This wasn't management decision but this is a personal decision," he insisted. "SMC has not had anything to do with this decision."

Contacted for comment, Reyes said he "respected" the two's decision.

"You know me, it's never my style to force anyone to play for my teams," said the Gilas coach, sticking to his official line but unable to resist putting out a cryptic comment near the end of the short conversation with Spin.ph.

"Now you know how hard my job is," he chuckled.

To be fair, the reason put forward by the two was noble enough. Slaughter and Lassiter said they didn't want to take away spots from the Original Twelve that worked so hard to bring the Philippines back to the world championships after nearly four decades of absence.

However, that same line is double-edged, to say the least, since it has now put Lee, Belga, and Dillinger in very awkward no-win positions.

With Slaughter and Dillinger's decision to step aside, the three may have been unwittingly painted as the 'bad guys' for showing the willingness to compete with the Original Twelve for spots in the Spain-bound team.

Also, team insiders also pointed out that if it was Slaughter and Lassiter's intention to let the Original Twelve have the honor of playing in the World Cup as reward for their hard work in the Fiba Asia championships, they could have stepped aside for Spain tournament and made themselves available for the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea where their services are certainly needed by Gilas.

According to league insiders, Reyes was left stunned when Slaughter and Lassiter informed him of their decision to pull out of the pool during Gilas' first practice on Monday. He accepted the two's decisions but at the same time told them to be the ones to "explain their decisions" to the people, the source added.

One person close to Reyes perhaps summed up the national coach's feeling.

"Si Slaughter at Lassiter pa lang 'yan. Si Slaughter nga kasama pa sa original pool," he said. "Papaano pa kung kinuha n'ya si Mark Barroca, Arwind Santos, etc."

But more than the effect the two withdrawals will have on the Gilas campaign, the development have once again showed the divisions within a board that, after the Fiba Asia success, had vowed to stand solidly behind Gilas and the national team program.

Regardless of whether the suspicions on San Miguel are true or not, the lines in the league have sadly once again been drawn again, with Gilas caught in the middle. And expect the divisions to show between now and the national team's campaign in the World Cup and the Asian Games.

So is SMC behind the decision for the duo's pullout?

Your guess is as good as ours.

From SPIN.ph

[tonistork]

For me, nakialam ang SMC management. . . gusto nila kasi magchampion ang either San Miguel o Ginebra kaya ayaw nila mapilay ang nucleus nila. Ganun kaganid ang mga teams ng SMC ngayon, sila muna bago bayan.

[Itachi101]

to be honest
ang kailangan at kulang lang naman talaga ng team
ay back up center
kundi si slaughter yun
maganda sana yung line up kung 7'0
na kasama sa team
at dahil sa nangyari na ito
winless na ang chance natin sa group B
sa asian level hirap tayo
dun pa kaya

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Blatche naturalization bill approved by Senate committee

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights has approved Senate Bill 2108 which seeks to grant Filipino citizenship to American basketball player Andray Blatche on Tuesday, April 1, bringing the Smart Gilas team one step closer to obtaining the big man they need to compete on the world stage.

Without any objections, the Senate version of Blatche's naturalization bill sponsored by Senator Edgardo 'Sonny' Angara has been approved while Committee Chairman Senator Aquilino 'Koko' Pimentel shall ask a sub-committee report on Blatche's desire to play for the country.

Both Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes and current naturalized big man Marcus Douthit believes it will be a doable task since both have talked to Blatche, who plays for the National Basketball Association's Brooklyn Nets.

"In our first conversation (with Blatche) I asked him if he really wants to do this," recalled Reyes. "He knows that he has to give up the (NBA) offseason and practice (for Gilas).

"My job is to give our team the best representation. We want to play the right way. I don't think there is another NBA player as willing as Blatche; I feel he'll boost our chances."

The Senate Bill will undergo two more levels in the Senate; if passed, it will be compiled with House Bill 4084 - the congressional version of Blatche's naturalization bill - before being submitted for President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino's signature


No cheating

Angara said that bringing in Blatche is a necessity, as all of the teams in Group B of the upcoming FIBA World Cup, save for Argentina, will parade naturalized players. FIBA rules dictate that every nation is allowed one naturalized player.

"We are just playing by the rules," said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas' Renauld 'Sonny' Barrios.

Angara added: "A naturalized citizen enjoys rights and privileges. He is a Filipino citizen."

The FIBA has given until June 30 for 24 competing squads to submit their 24-man rosters in the World Cup of Basketball slated from August 30 to September 14 in Spain.


Naturalized big boosts locals' talents

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes also answered questions from opposing parties who think a naturalized big man will take away a slot from the local athletes.

Reyes cited the 'Douthit effect' as an example, stating Marcus Douthit's invaluable contribution on and off the court.

"Fajardo played very little in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship but he played with Douthit in practice. Douthit is our big man skills coach," he said.

Douthit, who was naturalized in 2011, played in two FIBA Asia Championships where the Philippines finished 4th (2011) and 2nd (2013).

Reyes shared that the former Los Angeles Laker played a key role in boosting the skills of fellow bigs Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, and June Mar Fajardo.

Slaughter was the number 1 overall pick in the 2013 PBA Draft; Agyilar started to pile career-high averages for Ginebra this season, and Fajardo won the 2013-2014 PBA Philippine Cup Best Player of the Conference award.

From Rappler.com

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FIBA Asia Cup is 'good training' for Gilas, says MVP

MANILA, Philippines – Things are slowly falling into place for Gilas Pilipinas.

With the FIBA World Cup in Spain about 4 months away, the build-up is in full swing for the national men's basketball team.

One crucial part of that build-up is the team participating in this year's FIBA Asia Cup.

After the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) initially adjusted its schedule to finish by mid-July and give the PBA player-laden Gilas at least a full month and a half to prepare, the country's premier basketball league is bending over some more by shortening its season-ending Governors' Cup further to finish by July 9 instead.

"That will allow Gilas to leave on July 10 for the FIBA tournament in China, which is a good tournament for Gilas to join,” said PBA Chairman Ramon Seguismundo.

The FIBA Asia Cup is a tournament held every two years and participated in by 10 Asian national teams. This year, it will be played in Wuhan, China from July 11-19.

The adjustment to the Governors' Cup schedule was made specifically so Gilas can make it to this tourney instead of participating as an 11th team in the PBA's last conference this season.

Manny V. Pangilinan, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, believes the FIBA Asia Cup is a much better option for the Spain-bound Gilas squad.

"We're very grateful for any particular space they (PBA) can give the national team," Pangilinan said.

"It's a good training for them because there will be some national teams, as I understand it, playing there. So it will be a good tune-up."

Seguismundo echoed Pangilinan's sentiment.

"The tournament in China will have national teams, international caliber and would have taller, world class caliber teams and players. Very similar to the one in Spain."

Seguismundo explained the PBA won't necessarily change the competition format to shorten the Governors' Cup. Instead, they are going to increase the number of games and play dates per week to speed up the schedule.

According to Commissioner Chito Salud during the 2014 PBA All-Star press conference, they are planning to have 5 game days a week for a total of 10 games.

Asked if triple headers will be part of the schedule, Seguismundo said he sensed the board "wasn't too keen about that."

He added, "We found this option to be doable and it would serve the purposes of Gilas even better."


Tougher competition

Gilas head coach Chot Reyes openly expressed interest in joining the FIBA Asia Cup during the team's first official practice early last March. And it comes with good reason.

The participants in the tournament so far will include hosts China and FIBA Asia Champions Iran. The Philippines faced Iran during the Finals of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship in Manila but were defeated by the powerhouse team to win the title.

Iran will also be heading to the World Cup and will be playing in Group Group A. While the Philippines is in Group B and will be competing against Argentina, Greece, Senegal, Croatia, and Puerto Rico.

Marc Pingris defends against Japeth Aguilar during Friday's practice. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler

The development was also welcome to Gilas hero Marc Pingris, who noted it is much better for Gilas to compete against relatively unknown international opponents compared to PBA teams they have long been familiar with.

"Mas okay yung competition doon kasi ilang years na rin kami dito (PBA). Siguro i-try mo yung sarili mo kung hanggang saan yung kaya ng level ng paglalaro mo," explained the 6-foot-5 forward. "Kasi dito kilala mo na lahat ng player dito eh. Kilala mo na kung ano yung laro nila. Doon, hindi. So doon ka gagaling. Kung mas mabilis doon, sasabihin ni coach kailangan bilisan mo din so bibilis ka."

(Competition should be much better there because we've been playing here in the PBA for many years. You should test yourself as to how far you can go with your level of play. We already know all the players here. We know how they play. There, we do not. So we will get better there. If players are faster there, coach will tell you to be faster and you will be.)

The stark difference physically between local and international players, Pingris says, will also help bolster Gilas' level of talent as they increase their exposure to bigger and faster athletes.

"Advantage lang doon dahil mas malalaki, mas mabibilis yung mga makakalaban mo. Yung sentro natin baka wingman lang nila or point guard lang nila. Katulad ng mga boxingero, kailangan ang maka-sparring nila mas malalakas sa kanila or mas malalaki. Ganoon din yung sa basketball."

(The advantage there is we will be competing against bigger, faster opponents. Our centers could be their wingman or point guard. Like with boxers, they need to spar against tougher or bigger boxers. It's the same with basketball.)

The FIBA World Cup will be played in Spain from August 30 to September 4. The Philippines will be playing the preliminary round in the city of Sevilla owing to their grouping.

From Rappler.com

[Zurca]

US NBA stars book 4 World Cup tuneups

LAS VEGAS, USA – US NBA stars will face Brazil, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Slovenia in tuneup matches before the Basketball World Cup, USA Basketball announced Wednesday, April 9.

The Americans, whose lineup could include such NBA stars as LeBron James and Kevin Durant, will be favored to defend their global crown at the worlds on August 30-September 14 in Spain.

"Our training sessions and our exhibition games are vital in our preparations for defending our gold medal," USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said.

In the run-up to the tournament, the US squad will gather July 28 in Las Vegas for a 4-day training camp culminating in an August 1 inter-squad exhibition.

After a 12-day break, the team will reunite in Chicago for training days August 14-15 ahead of an August 16 exhibition against Brazil at the home of the NBA's Chicago Bulls.

The US lineup then relocates to New York for training August 17-22 with exhibition games against the Dominicans on August 20 and Puerto Rico two nights later, both at Madison Square Garden.

From August 24-26, the Americans will train on Gran Canaria in the Spanish Canary Islands, ending the camp with an August 26 exhibition against Slovenia.

"The tour will offer our players and coaches the opportunity to get familiar with each other and to gain critical international game experience against a variety of differing styles," US coach Mike Krzyzewski said.

The Americans will play preliminary matches in the 24-team Basketball World Cup in Bilbao against Group C rivals New Zealand, Finland, Turkey, Dominican Republic and Ukraine.

The US squad, two-time reigning Olympic champions, will open August 30 against Finland and faces Turkey the next day in a rematch of the 2010 final won by the Americans 81-64.

From Rappler.com

[polgas88]

I would already be an accomplishment if our losing margin is less than 5 points against the world cup giants. Nakakatuwa isipin na kalaban natin yung mga nba caliber na players.

[Zurca]

NBA stars to test Philippine team ahead of World Cup

One of the Philippines' wealthiest tycoons plans to fly in four American NBA stars for a tune-up game with the national team ahead of the country's quixotic quest at this year's World Cup.

NBA players Paul Pierce, Blake Griffin, Damian Lillard, and DeMar DeRozan are to play a "special pick up game" with members of the national team -- known as Gilas Pilipinas -- next month, head coach Chot Reyes said.

"This is a fitting send-off for Gilas as they defend the Philippine flag at the 2014 FIBA World Cup," Reyes said in a statement.

The trip is being funded by Manny Pangilinan, a business magnate who heads the country's largest telecom firm PLDT and is the team's patron, a statement from the company said.

Ranked 34th in the world, the national team won a berth in Group B in this year's World Cup in Spain, after placing second behind Iran in the 2013 Asia championship.

It is the first time in nearly 40 years that the basketball-mad archipelago has qualified for the global games.

"This is our grand comeback to the world stage, so having a special pick-up game with a powerhouse cast of players will definitely rally the spirits of Filipinos and inspire the boys to play harder," Reyes said.

While basketball is a virtual religion in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation, players are smaller compared to their European and American counterparts.

Teams often bring in American players to spice up the local league.

Early this month, President Benigno Aquino rushed through a law granting citizenship to the 2.11-metre (six foot, 11 inches) tall Andray Blatche to boost Gilas's chances in the World Cup.

Blatche -- who averaged 11.2 points and 5.3 rebounds a game this season for the Nets in the NBA -- is expected to shine come August.

From Y! Sports Philippines
Post Merge: June 26, 2014, 08:55:31 PMGilas Pilipinas members as excited as fans for exhibition game against NBA stars

Some of the members of Gilas Pilipinas are still in the thick of their campaigns in the 2014 PBA Governors’ Cup. However, they also expressed their excitement for the scheduled exhibition game against the NBA players such as Blake Griffin, Paul Pierce, DeMar DeRozan, and Damian Lillard.

“Lahat sila gusto kong makalaban pero yung Griffin talaga yung gusto kong makatapat,” said forward Marc Pingris. “Gusto ko dakdakan niya ako para ma-YouTube ako. Para at least kahit wala na ako sa basketball balang araw, 'pag nag-retire na ako, search mo lang sa YouTube na ‘Griffin in your face Pingris’ makikita niyo pa rin ako. Mabubuhay forever yun. Gusto ko talaga ma-experience ang madakdakan ng NBA player.”

His fellow Gilas forward Ranidel De Ocampo expressed the same sentiments.

“Lahat sila gusto ko kasi wala ka namang pipiliin na dun. Lahat nun quality players. Pero kung meron man akong gusto talagang makita sa court, gusto ko talagang makita yung mga dunk ni Griffin,” said De Ocampo.

“Okay lang kahit masama ako sa poster, kahit in-your-face. Talagang sasabayan ko naman siya kung sakaling tumalon siya sa harap ko. Kung sakaling madakdakan man ako ni Griffin, at least isang karangalan rin yun.”

The Gilas guards on the other hand are excited to test the mettle of Lillard who made waves in the recently concluded NBA playoffs

“Lillard siguro dahil bata pa lang siya pero grabe na yung killer instinct niya,” said Larry Fonacier.

“Di ko pa masyadong iniisip yan pero si Lillard siguro,” said Jayson Castro who also picked the Portland guard even if he eyes grew wide open when he heard Pierce was coming over.

“It’s hard to pick. I’m a huge Blake Griffin fan but it would be huge to be matched up with someone like Damian Lillard. I’m a big fan of the way he plays, of his athleticism, and what he’s done in the NBA early in his career,” added Jimmy Alapag. “I don’t know if I want to get dunked on but maybe if he gets a breakaway, I’ll just let him go. “

“It’s going to be great to get those guys here. It’s great for our country. It’s great for Philippine basketball so I’m looking forward to it next month.”

From Y! Sports Philippines