By Adrian Stewart Co
Gilas Pilipinas will turn to its running game when it faces Lebanon in the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers on Friday, August 26 (Philippine time) in Beirut, Lebanon.
According to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Renauld Barrios, the current composition of head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes is perfect for the fast-paced style of play.
“If you notice, maganda ang height ng team na ‘to,” Barrios said at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.
“The players have good height and good heft. Puro maliliksi kumilos itong team na ‘to,” he added.
Bannering the national men’s basketball team against Lebanon were Filipino-American guard Jordan Clarkson of Utah Jazz, and 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto of Adelaide 36ers.
The rest of the team includes Ilonggos Kiefer Ravena and Thirdy Ravena, Earl Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Dwight Ramos, Bobby Ray Parks, Carl Tamayo, and Roosevelt Adams.
Barrios shared that he was impressed with how the 13 players are coming together, and how the coaching staff is putting together a game plan against the style of Lebanon, which had badly defeated Gilas in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup recently.
“‘Yung ball movement nakita ko ang ganda. May mga plays sila na sa totoo lang, ngayon lang namin nakikita. I think they are adapting to specific opponents. Ganun na ‘yung takbo ng preparation natin,” Barrios said.
“Sa offense, sa nakita ko, fast ball movement including moving without the ball, patience in taking a shot, hindi nagmamadali, give it to the open man, kung may sasalaksak, natakpan, kick out. Move the ball fast. Wala ‘yung mga matatagal na ball-hogging na point guard,” he added.
The SBP official is also optimistic on the chances of the current Gilas line-up that may not have the best talent in the country, but has the pieces and qualities to play a competitive game against Lebanon.
“We observed and evaluated what is the so-called best mix for the Lebanon trip. Sa observation natin, eto ang pinakamagandang combination based sa pagsusuri at pag-aaral ng coaching staff,” Barrios said./ASC, WDJ