GILAS COMPOSITION?

There will be two (2) crucial things Coach Chot Reyes needs to attend very soon.

First, the World Cup Draw on February 3 where we will know who we going to face in Spain this coming August.

Second, the composition of Gilas Pilipinas for the World Cup of Basketball and Asian Games. Are we going to stick with the Gilas Team who competed in the last FIBA Asia or we need some changes? I would say yes! Therefore, it is reasonable to assess the performance of each Gilas player in the last FIBA Asia, Governor’s Cup and the current Philippine Cup, plus we will include all the possible entrants to the 24 player pool as well.

Big Men – Marcus, Junemar, Japeth, Ranidel and Ping

Japeth, Ranidel and Ping all did a splendid job. If Marcus stayed healthy we might give Iran a better fight for the gold. Junemar is the only big who did not show up in the tournament. Maybe he’s just nervous or intimidated by other Asian Bigs. But his performance in Governor’s Cup and this Philippine Cup gives him a chance to redeem himself.

In short, all big men will still be considered plus Greg Slaughter and maybe Arwind Santos and if naturalized, Javale McGee and Andray Blatche.

Wing Men – Gabe, Jeff, Larry and Gary

Gabe and Jeff will be a shoo-in of course being the best defender and best three point shooter respectively. Larry’s slot might be in danger as well as Gary David’s who perform miserably in FIBA Asia except for one game. Possible replacement are Marcio Lassiter and Jared Dillinger.

Point Guards – LA, Jimmy and Jayson

Despite the lack of height, our ball handlers played bravely against other Asian point guards. Jayson and LA can be considered top 5 PG in Asia right now. Jimmy was once declared by the legendary Fadi El Khatib as the best point guard in Asia. It’s quite safe this three will maintain their position in the team although Mark Barroca is getting some serious consideration and if only Sol Mercado is allowed to play in FIBA.

More or less if all players are available below will be my pick to play in Spain:

Andray Blatche

Greg Slaughter

Junemar Fajardo

Japeth Aguilar

Mark Pingris

Ranidel de Ocampo

Gabe Norwood

Jeff Chan

Marcio Lassiter

Jared Dillinger

Jayson Castro

LA Tenorio

We got plenty of Big Men and yes I will take Andray Blatche anytime over Marcus Douthit. Hammed Haddadi is not playing in NBA anymore. There might be some reason why Haddadi in not in NBA and Blatche is.Just saying.hehehe

Jared can play PG as well and can match Jason Castro’s speed in fastbreak opportunity. Therefore minimizing the loss of Jimmy physically but we can never replace Jimmy’s Heart!

We got rotation of Blatche, Slaughter and Fajardo at Center/Power Forward.

Japeth, Ping and Ranidel at Power Forward/ Small Forward.

Gabe, Jeff, Marcio and Jared at Small Forward/ Shooting Guard.

LA, Jayson and Jared at Point Guard.

Still this is just my opinion. End of the day whoever Gilas Coaching Staff choose will be for the good of the team and Pilipinas. PUSO!!!