talent wise I don't think we're inferior to elite World level teams. this core can go far if kept intact. we can keep games close and competitive but we need someone like JC to make sure we dont crumble in the end. End-game execution killed us multiple times already. JC will always be an upgrade to JB, and at the World Level when you need a bucket during close games vs the likes of Serbia, France, Argentina.. you give the ball to someone who can score vs World-level defenders on a nightly basis.
Despite JB's familiarity with his teammates and chemistry displayed last night, Justin Brownlee's toughest competition lately is only the PBA.
JC just needs a month or 2 to build more chemistry with the core and to get accustomed to FIBA play as he still has the tendency to show boat and play hero ball. Also needs to work on his defensive awareness. He has always been a plug & play for Gilas, so he's relatively still inexperienced compared to his peers (Luka, Jokic, Giannis, Schroder) in FIBA. Let's see how a rigorous training camp can unleash the true potential of a JC-led Gilas team.