Philippines Senior National Team Thread Vol. V

[Giannis34GOD2]

Not to mention Vietnam... Jaylin Williams + Christian and Johnny Juzang can be a handful. Plus if they can get a naturalized player, they will be a problem in South East Asia.

Indonesia... aside from Bolden, Diagne and Jawato, no one else is noteworthy. Philippines can produce 10 more DMXes but better, as a matter of fact we already have two in Japeth and AJ Edu, who are much more polished. I like where Indonesian basketball is going though. Their brand of basketball reminds me of how Philippine basketball was in the 2000s era, rugged, some skill, plays on the ground, promising, but needs more work. Our current crop of UAAP and NCAA players will wreck havoc in the IBL. That's how far they are. We all know SEA Games 2022 was a fluke.

Players to look out for Korea are 6'8 Jun Seok Yeo of Gonzaga (most likely to be drafted) and 6'7 Hyunjung Lee of Davidson (undrafted in 2022).

We should still respect China and Iran but there is no sense of formidability anymore with these two. No Chinese or Persian NBA players currently.

Slowly we're getting acclimated to the physicality, length, perfect execution and sound fundamentals of NZ Tall Blacks, but soon enough they can't keep up with us full force. No sign of Steven Adams playing anytime soon.

So far Lebanon, Jordan, Japan, SoKor and Aus are our main threats to Asian basketball supremacy if Oceania is included but yeah we stood the test of time, Philippines are still contenders.

Indonesia will be like Iran (Or Slovenia in Asian version)... Their results will be determine within the availability of Bolden, DMX and Diagne... but basketball team can only put 12 players, with those three will reach their primes (Bolden still at 23, DMX is 20,Diagne at 17), that will be their best assemble team in their basketball program's history, If they will not available, their results will be affected... If Wuysang born 10 years later, He will be the leader of this young core... As for China, they didn't have NBA players for now... But we have to remember, their pool is very deep and with incoming naturalized player added to their line up (possibly guard), they will be more tougher... China has 6'3 to 6'4 guards, 6'8 to 6'9 forwards and towering bigs likes Zhou Qi and Wang Zhelin... They have also Fang Zhebo and other youngsters who is now currently in US for training.. In terms of depth, China is at big advantage over Japan, Philippines and Lebanon....

 

[lurklurk2]

Here's an assessment by a Korean blogger, baekpd: https://twitter.com/baekpd1983/status/1622920436232355842?t=AEnTvLIz5YRr92cuAy5-oA&s=19

"Characteristics of basketball players in East Asian countries.

1. Height - China
2. Basketball Basic Skills - Japan
3. 3-point shot - South Korea
4. Import Players - China
5. Defense Skills - South Korea
6. Attack Capability - Philippines
7. Possibility of Development - Japan"

He's echoing what many people think of Japan's possibility of development, and rightly considers his guys the better shooters. Otherwise, this is just his take.

aka Dribble Drive

 

[lurklurk2]

Over the past 3 years, subjectively I feel like we've already caught up with SoKor in shooting.

Length and height against China, we can now go toe-to-toe.

Lebanon is dark horse but I guess we already saw their ceiling, they'll only go as far as Arakji and Haidar takes them.

Iran will need to produce another Haddadi, Kamrani and Bahrami to match up with our current crop.

Biggest rival now as the best team in Asia is Japan. They've got Rui, Yuta, Togashi, Yudai Baba and possibly Cam Thomas (Japan-born, is this guy eligible?). Star power wise if we give these guys confidence to create for themselves we're in for a long night.

Best league in Asia is still up in the air. PBA is still fun to watch and competitive more than ever, but of course, without our best local talents in the league and only 1 import allowed, we only get a watered-down PBA.

iirc Japan is jus sanguinis, same as us, and neither of Cam Thomas's parents are Japanese. Regardsless tho, Japan's talent pool is definitely top-heavy especially in Asia-region.

 

[DAdmiral2]

^
This is contrary to players being churned out and actual results
"but players are not on level as .. Asian teams prove they they can beat NZL..."

Vs kai- in the NBL - bigs , Waardenberg was voted - (best next generation player) , both Wetzell and Delaney are all NBL 2nd team candidates and awardees , Fotu is B- league champion best big , Adams is NBA's leading offensive rebounder , Gold as a freshman is a rotation player for a top 10 US ranked team..

vs Arakji- Perimeter players - Corey Webster is 2019 WC 2nd leading scorer, Tai and Le Afa are Div one high major stars of their teams and Euro league open imports, Abercombrie is NBL defensive player of the year (perimiter) and former all NBL team (euro open import)

team results not even close in WC vs all of Asia , and besides even head to head in Asian competition NZL has a the win advantage ( however slight)

* Note NZ top bigs, Wetzell, Waardenberg and Adams have yet to play a single game for NZL so instead Robert is basing things on NZ B players who play in Asian competition , Vodnavich, Loe and Smith Miner . and their none main guards. ( Brit, Presster , Rustbach, Cameron) Not NZL top guards Webster bros , Le' afa and Ili, it's flawed assessment. All those NZL players who play in Asian competition may not even play in the WC. LOL, you're assessing the wrong NZL players, Asia's wins vs NZL are against its none main players. It's like claiming Arakji proved he's better than Mitch Mcarron in Asia cup and leaving out NBA players Mills , Giddey, Danials, Green as best Guard conversation in the region

Talk about inconsistent basis of power rankings you use Clarkson and Kai as main basis for Gilas power ranking, yet neither of the two has played a single game in the World cup or Asia cup ! And it's not like Gilas has a good record in windows or Asia cup. Yet you cite NZL C and D teams losing vs Asian teams in windows and Asia cup.

 

[paliganibossalfrancis2]

Australia is unlock as top seed in Asia/Pacific competition, but the rest are up for grabs

My power rankings (based on potential best possible line ups)

FAVORITES:
1. Australia - No question who is the best in the region

MAJOR CONTENDERS:
2. China - Sorry Japanese lovers, but China has more depth than Japan and potential naturalized player incoming for them
3. Philippines - Kai will be the best big man in Asia for next 5 years (He will beat Zhou Qi and Al Dwairi for that), alongside JC (or any naturalized players)
4. Lebanon - If Kai will be the best big man, Arakji will continue be the best PG in Asia in next 5 years and they have tons of youngsters incoming for them
5. New Zealand - They have good program and tough, but players are not on level as Aussies... Asian teams prove they they can beat NZL...
6. Japan - Yuta, Rui and Baba and nothing else... I know they have good youngsters (Tominaga, et al.) but not as good as those 3 guys mentioned
7. Jordan - As long Al Dwairi is still in prime, they are tough to beat....
8. Korea - They have good wings and good shooters, but need legit big man, especially Ratliffe will be gone after 2023 Asian Games...
9. Iran - w/o Haddadi, this team will be on downward, Although they have good forwards and guards but can't find next Haddadi for them...

MID TIER 1:
10. Taipei - I will put them first here but i got feel that other mid tier teams already surpass them, They can't manage to create their new generation players after Lin, Tseng, etc..
11. Kazakhstan - Same with Taipei, I feel that there are teams now that are better than them
12. KSA - Their Asian basketball journey seems it will be the hands of Al Suwailem, they have possibly make it to the top 8 squad if their line up will remain intact, sans injuries..
13. Bahrain - Same with Saudi, they have flashes of good games, but KSA's advantage is that they have a legit big man...
14. Indonesia - They will have possibly best frontline in next 5-10 years... All they need is to be intact and less injuries

MID TIER 2:
15. Syria
16. Thailand
17. Guam
18. Mongolia
19. India
20. Palestine

Is Simon Enciso eligible? He deserves consideration by the way he's playing. I heard SBP already gave up on Mikey Williams and Sedrick Barefield's eligibility, if these two can play, Arakji can say goodbye to his title as best point guard in Asia. He never faced Robert Bolick as well, also no Terrence Romeo lately, so we're not really sure if Wael really is the best PG in the region. lol.

Also, Schonny Winston seems to be next in line to take the keys from CJ Perez and Scottie if he does live up to expectations. Hopefully we get to see him in Window 6.

One of our guards will humble Wael Arakji pretty soon. And we'll have the best big men (Kai/AJ), best wing (JC) and best pg in the region (Schonny, Berto, Iskati, CJ).

 

[paliganibossalfrancis2]

iirc Japan is jus sanguinis, same as us, and neither of Cam Thomas's parents are Japanese. Regardsless tho, Japan's talent pool is definitely top-heavy especially in Asia-region.

Wow thank God. I was really worried when i found out he was born in Japan. He's gonna be problem lol, sort of like Japan shoo-in as number 1 in Asia if he was eligible.

 

[JAMSKIE2]

Is Simon Enciso eligible? He deserves consideration by the way he's playing. I heard SBP already gave up on Mikey Williams and Sedrick Barefield's eligibility, if these two can play, Arakji can say goodbye to his title as best point guard in Asia. He never faced Robert Bolick as well, also no Terrence Romeo lately, so we're not really sure if Wael really is the best PG in the region. lol.

Also, Schonny Winston seems to be next in line to take the keys from CJ Perez and Scottie if he does live up to expectations. Hopefully we get to see him in Window 6.

One of our guards will humble Wael Arakji pretty soon. And we'll have the best big men (Kai/AJ), best wing (JC) and best pg in the region (Schonny, Berto, Iskati, CJ).

Simon Enciso's downside as a Gilas possible Gilas prospect in case he's eligible:

1. He's already 31 yrs of age.
2. He's only around 5-foot-10, so he's not a good size point guard. (We want point guards who stand at least 6-feet, right?)

Between Enciso & the 26-year old Aaron Black, I'll prefer the latter. Black is around 6-foot-flat to 6-foot-1 & he's 5 years younger than Enciso.

 

[Rodbi2]

Simon Enciso's downside as a Gilas possible Gilas prospect in case he's eligible:

1. He's already 31 yrs of age.
2. He's only around 5-foot-10, so he's not a good size point guard. (We want point guards who stand at least 6-feet, right?)

Between Enciso & the 26-year old Aaron Black, I'll prefer the latter. Black is around 6-foot-flat to 6-foot-1 & he's 5 years younger than Enciso.

Aside from age and measurables, I think he's also too streaky of a shooter to ever be extremely useful in a sanctioned FIBA game for Gilas. Though he would've been okay if he's a Castro-level type of a points guard.

 

[ccharmed2]

Handling well the bigger good guards is still unsatisfactory in gilas teams. I would like to see malonzo, tamayo or amos used effectively against the likes of arakji.

 

[paliganibossalfrancis2]

Handling well the bigger good guards is still unsatisfactory in gilas teams. I would like to see malonzo, tamayo or amos used effectively against the likes of arakji.

That's the problem with Lebanon, once we neutralize Arakji & Haidar, it's game over. Meanwhile for Gilas, once they neutralize Kai & JC, we still have Dwight, Jamie, Iskati, CJ.

 

[JAMSKIE2]

That's the problem with Lebanon, once we neutralize Arakji & Haidar, it's game over. Meanwhile for Gilas, once they neutralize Kai & JC, we still have Dwight, Jamie, Iskati, CJ.

Amir Saoud & Segio El Darwich says hi!

Saoud torched Strong Group in Dubai last week with 41 pts. That guy is a deadshot from 3pt. El Darwich on the other hand is a good slaher. As I've said before, Lebanon has depth of talent in the guard & wing positions. Even its 4 spot has good talent. Its in the center spot which lebanon is thin.

 

[magic_chiongson2]

Indonesia will be like Iran (Or Slovenia in Asian version)... Their results will be determine within the availability of Bolden, DMX and Diagne... but basketball team can only put 12 players, with those three will reach their primes (Bolden still at 23, DMX is 20,Diagne at 17), that will be their best assemble team in their basketball program's history, If they will not available, their results will be affected... If Wuysang born 10 years later, He will be the leader of this young core... As for China, they didn't have NBA players for now... But we have to remember, their pool is very deep and with incoming naturalized player added to their line up (possibly guard), they will be more tougher... China has 6'3 to 6'4 guards, 6'8 to 6'9 forwards and towering bigs likes Zhou Qi and Wang Zhelin... They have also Fang Zhebo and other youngsters who is now currently in US for training.. In terms of depth, China is at big advantage over Japan, Philippines and Lebanon....

btw what happened to thailand's ncaa div 1 player from harvard? i remember him tearing up the fiba asia u18 tournament. same tournament where kenmark carino averaged like 5 blocks per game or something

 

[magic_chiongson2]

I don't know if people follow the Amos's , but youngee CJ in last state championship was a remarkable shooter . Both Mason and CJ were on my NBTC team in 2020, before Covid canceled tournament.
If people are wondering where does the shooting come from, we'll dad was a good shooter in the NZ NBL.. I've had discussions with dad on his shooting principles, and it's solid , he knows his stuff. From , step vs Hopz , to twist, to one motion vs two, to trajectory (arch must reach top of backboard on 3s).
Of course it comes with repetition. I feel shooting is the one skill thst can' be taught (generally)

are the amos' parents both ph passport holders? just checking if they are eligible to play in korea

 

[carmelo72]

btw what happened to thailand's ncaa div 1 player from harvard? i remember him tearing up the fiba asia u18 tournament. same tournament where kenmark carino averaged like 5 blocks per game or something

You mean Bassey of Harvard? too smart i guess for basketball and went on to be Cofounder and CEO at District (Software Development)

 

[magic_chiongson2]

You mean Bassey of Harvard? too smart i guess for basketball and went on to be Cofounder and CEO at District (Software Development)

yeah, that's good for him i guess, basketball as a career will only last a few years

 

[BJ_Reloaded2]

Wow thank God. I was really worried when i found out he was born in Japan. He's gonna be problem lol, sort of like Japan shoo-in as number 1 in Asia if he was eligible.

iirc Japan is jus sanguinis, same as us, and neither of Cam Thomas's parents are Japanese. Regardsless tho, Japan's talent pool is definitely top-heavy especially in Asia-region.

It?s like the case of Alex Compton of Cornell University and Tony Ruthland of Wake Forest who was born here and both parents are foreigners.

 

[hmbopbaduwap2]

It?s like the case of Alex Compton of Cornell University and Tony Ruthland of Wake Forest who was born here and both parents are foreigners.

And Rutland's mother is Korean and he would have played for Korea as a local pre-Hagop rule and had the Korean Federation back then were more open to tapping heritage and naturalized players as what they have currently doing now

https://www.halfkorean.com/?page_id=4972

What was it like to play professionally for the SK Knights in the Korean Basketball League in 1998-99? Did the KBL reach out to you about playing in the league? What was the reception like from your teammates, coaches, opposing players, fans, etc?

Korea was the best. I was able to play in front of my family. They did reach out to me to play. It was a different experience than other professional leagues. I got caught up with two popular Korean players, Seo Jang-hoon and Hyun Joo-yup. They are great players. SK had these two rookies that were very popular but they didn?t really get along. Management would tell me not to score and to pass the ball to them, so my talent was never really shown because I got caught into that problem. Management wanted them to shine because they were so popular.

Were your parents and family supportive of your decision to play in the KBL?

My family was very supportive. I wish my mother was able to see me play in Korea.

As far as you know, were there any other mixed Koreans in the KBL at that time?

No.

Did you get to interact at all with Kim Dong Kwang, the first mixed Korean to play in the KBL?

No, I didn?t.

Do you still keep in touch with anyone from the KBL?

No, but I often look at the Asia-Basket site to see about old teammates.

How would you compare the KBL to other professional leagues?

It was good. Like I said, other leagues/countries expected me to play well and I did. I worked out with the Sixers and played in numerous countries.

You mention the workout with NBA?s Sixers and I know you played in the NBA D-League as well. Was there any serious interest/pursuit from NBA teams to sign you during your early years out of college?

Yes, a lot of scouts said that I could have left after my second year in college but I was injured. Could have been a first rounder. I worked out for a couple of teams including the Hawks and Grizzlies.

Which professional leagues did you enjoy playing in the most?
Austria, Syria and, of course, Korea.

Do you have any opinions regarding the KBL Ethnic draft that was instituted in 2009?

I wish that they could have done that when I was playing. But, I also think that they shouldn?t have a draft. If a player is willing to get his passport, then he should be able to play and it is up to the team to sign him. I think the teams should have the right to pick up players and that would only help the league. That is how other countries and leagues do it.

Would you consider playing in the KBL again under the new rules of the Ethnic draft?

Yes, I wanted to for next year but I got word too late and they want you to pay for everything and there is no guarantee that you will make a team.

Do you think the changes Korea is making in the KBL and with its National Team by making it easier for mixed Koreans to play will make it a stronger basketball force in Asia and the rest of the world?

Why only one (regarding mixed Koreans on the National Team)? If you are nationalized then they should be able to play.

What are your future career plans?

Who knows? Maybe coach college or pros and maybe a KBL team. Would love to both play and coach in the KBL.

Outside of possibly pursuing the KBL again, do you plan to go to Korea anytime soon?

Yes, real soon. I want to visit my family!

 

[BJ_Reloaded2]

Sir....As far as I remember Tony Ruthland back then is a solid player and a system guy..good thing he hasn't tap to play for them at that time otherwise it's really a headache.

 

[hmbopbaduwap2]

Sir....As far as I remember Tony Ruthland back then is a solid player and a system guy..good thing he hasn't tap to play for them at that time otherwise it's really a headache.

Yes, he is like a 6'3 Chris Ross with better offense

 

[IPC2]

This is hopefully JF/Jap/Almazan/Erram's last year with our NT. We honestly need better bigs than them if we really want to compete. Hopefully they'll use this window to evaluate our other bigs besides Kai and Ange.

Who's the best eligible rim protector from the amateurs? Do we have some prospects that maybe we can still add to the pool?

I do have exactly the same hope (or wish) bro. I hope that post 2023 World Cup, these old bigs that you've mentioned are replaced by Kai, AJ Edu, Kouame, Tamayo, Baltazar, Quiambao, Geo Chiu, Mason Amos, Seven Gagate.

Our best rim-protecting big from the amateurs is probably Gab Demisana, then Luis Pablo. Dunno if Seven can protect the rim. Chiu, I don't see him as a rim protector, but he can be a good paint presence.

Almazan and Erram, jeez. Almazan has been bad for Gilas, while Erram was mostly bad, but had a few good moments in the last Asia Cup. The only good Gilas bigs from the PBA for the past decade were Ping, RDO, Japeth, June Mar, and CStand, who was our NP.