I think that on talent alone, the PBA can keep up with the best of Asia. The only problem that has plagued the PBA-backed NT in international competition is the lack of a system and a coach who has such system and someone who is very knowledgeable of the international game. Add to this the right training and preparation for the team to learn the international game and unlearn their bad habits that are not suitable for international competition. With these things in place, coupled with a Naturalized player to man the middle we can compete with the best of Asia.
I am not also in favor chastising PBA players, blame it not on the players but the basketball system that we have. They are what they are because they are brought up in a system that allows to become such. Again if this just to point out their failure in international competitions.
I think most of the PBA coaches are not adept or should I say not a fan of the international game. Chot Reyes and Tim Cone may make an argument that they have a system that can compete in international competition. The rest, I don't think it will work in the international scene. Our pro ranks or our basketball for years have been patterned with the American style of one-on-one and showtime type of basketball. Putting primary emphasize on individual skills and crowd entertainment. The problem when you rely too much on individual play and open type basketball is you won't get consistency in your games. One day you look impressive the next day you look awful. Notice our team when they compete in international tourney, that is exactly how they are. When you don't get the rebounds you can't run and all of a sudden you lose your advantage which is speed. It is much more difficult to beat a team with a good system than a team with highly skilled players with a poor system. I also believe that the PBA should expose their players with taller opposition if only to prove they are one of the best in the region.
I think we should put the PBA against the Smart Gilas to rest. Smart Gilas is the reflection or the reality of what our pro players could have been with the right system and conductor at the helm. Smart Gilas' success is just a reinforcement that we Filipinos can compete with the best despite our lack in ceiling. What should be important beyond everything else is that we should do what is best for the NT, whether getting some reinforcement from the pro ranks, naturalizing a player or recruiting fil-foreign player or what not. Our basketball crazy nation deserves the best it send to represent us.
3pt shooting show for Smart Gilas ! I see this team shooting it out with Korea in the Asian Championships. 
