Philippines Senior National Team Thread Vol. V

[IPC2]

I think Cone’ s hands are tied here. Chualay and SMC in the end have a final say on which players they can pick. Aside from the international shoo-ins, Kai, Dwight, Edu, and the couple of MVP guys who pass the muster, Oftana and Newsome, the rest should be SMC guys. The injuries are testing his rule that he will only get 11 locals for the pool. Being competitive in the OQT will give his pool a lifeline. However if they fail, pressure is on him and Chua to add non-SMC guys to the pool.

Speaking of team building, I've touched on this before, but I think we sometimes focus too much on names and firepower, oftentimes at the expense of balance. No regard for who defends, mga ganun. Even fan lineups prefer names and firepower before considering team balance.

I mean, for example, having Bennie Boatwright, a mostly one-way player (just offense), as the next NP after JB when the current pool doesn't have any good defensive bigs after injury-prone AJ Edu and 37yo Japeth. Kai's improving, but I feel he's still not at the level we need him to be on defense. As for JB and Blatche, they could play both ends in the FIBA level. JC worked because we had a healthy AJ Edu anchoring our defense, and we also had good perimeter defenders like Dwight and Abando.

I'm just wary lang, kasi when I first started, I was a fan of a defensive team in the Bulls of the early 2010's, and then the defense wins championships mindset. And then here's this post I made.

If we're going with Bennie Boatwright as JB's successor at NP, we need as many good perimeter defenders at 1, 2, and 3 as possible, like Will Navarro at the 3, so that we can limit dribble penetration, especially when AJ's not around. Kai has to improve on D as well by November 2025.

I'm going to repeat, I may have a 'defense wins championships' mindset, but historically, when we did well defensively, we did well in meets up to the continental level (FIBA Asia silvers, Asiad gold). When we had a poor defense, we did poorly (2017 and 2021 FIBA Asia Cups, 2021 SEA Games). Heck we gave up 13-31 from three to Indonesia in 2022, and 118 points on 44-66 shooting (16-21 from 3) to SoKor in 2017.

At least for now, we have JB to cover for anyone not named Newsome, Dwight, Scottie, or AJ.

 

[JAMSKIE2]

What we need now is a top local wing. Our top wing has to be a star in the level of at least Samad Nikkah Bahrami or Fadi El-Khatib, or a good man-to-man defender like what Gabe Norwood was for us.

So far, we just have the man-to-man defenders like Dwight, Navarro, and Tuffin. Hopefully Belmonte, Chicco, Policarpio, Sanchez, and Lopez can become good man-to-man defenders. Don't forget Jacob Bayla, Caelum Harris, and maybe Alex Konov too.

Having a wingman as tall/big & as skilled as a Samad Bahrami or a Fadi El Khatib would be sort of an ambitious expectation unless of course that guy is foreign born/trained. We all know how good players Bahrami & El Khatib we're during their prime. And I think both players are considered legends in Asian basketball.

Maybe that guy could be a Caelum Harris (though I have some doubts about Caelum's potential) or a Patrick Perez (a 19-year old 6-foot-6 kid who is said to have a wingspan of a 7-footer) or a Femi Edu (AJ Edu's younger brother who is a 6-foot-5 natural wing guy).

 

[IPC2]

Having a wingman as tall/big & as skilled as a Samad Bahrami or a Fadi El Khatib would be sort of an ambitious expectation unless of course that guy is foreign born/trained. We all know how good players Bahrami & El Khatib we're during their prime. And I think both players are considered legends in Asian basketball.

Maybe that guy could be a Caelum Harris (though I have some doubts about Caelum's potential) or a Patrick Perez (a 19-year old 6-foot-6 kid who is said to have a wingspan of a 7-footer) or a Femi Edu (AJ Edu's younger brother who is a 6-foot-5 natural wing guy).

If our top wing can't be a star at the level of Bahrami, the alternative is that he should be a good defender, like Gabe was for us. Hence, we have to develop 196cm+ (6'5"+) wings to play defense as a start.

If you can neither be a star or a good defender, backup wing ka na lang.

 

[JAMSKIE2]

If our top wing can't be a star at the level of Bahrami, the alternative is that he should be a good defender, like Gabe was for us. Hence, we have to develop 196cm+ (6'5"+) wings to play defense as a start.

If you can neither be a star or a good defender, backup wing ka na lang.

Agree.
I say a poor man version of Samad Bahrami but with Gabe Norwood-level defense (or maybe slightly inferior) would be good enough. Also we can take take advantage of our depth in the 3-spot.

I'm now thinking of how our Gilas team would look like 2 or 3 years from now. By that time Bennie Boatwright would be our NP. I'm thinking of a Dwight Ramos-Oftana-Ken Tuffin rotation at the 3 spot with Dwight & Tuffin able to play at the 2-guard spot as well. Then we'll have CJ Perez & Abando playing the 2-guard spot. Iskati Thompson & either Dalph Panopio or Alec Stockton (depending on how he develops) as our point guards. Carl Tamayo & either Jamie Malonzo or Quiambao relieving Boatwright at the 4 spot. Then its Kai Sotto & AJ Edu rotating at the center spot.

 

[tootch2]

Speaking of potential wingmen. how about Leonard Santillan? he play like Calvin Oftana with defense and his shooting is also decent.

 

[JAMSKIE2]

Speaking of potential wingmen. how about Leonard Santillan? he play like Calvin Oftana with defense and his shooting is also decent.

I think Leonand Santillan is more of a four than a wingman. But yeah, with the way he has been playing in the PBA, he can be considered as a Gilas prospect at the 4 spot.

 

[live_evil2]

Didn't Santillan make a mess when he played internationally? 3x3, right? Playing him at 4 at FIBA is a death sentence for Gilas. That is something Joke Reyes would do.

 

[Rds2]

I think Leonand Santillan is more of a four than a wingman. But yeah, with the way he has been playing in the PBA, he can be considered as a Gilas prospect at the 4 spot.

I agree he is more of a 4. I think he along with the ineligibles give a decent challenge to the Gilas level guys like Oftana. Good shooting stroke. Decent mobility. Decent strength. But at around 6’4/6’5 undersized for the 4. Slow as a 3. He is slower and IMO less skilled in the perimeter than Oftana.

Speaking about Santi. I think he is of the older school of UAAP PFs. Although skilled, he prioritized strength in the post over versatility in the perimeter. The UAAP PFs now, particularly in UP are more skilled and more mobile laterally. These guys can fill the spot guys like Oftana and Javi are trailblazing in the PBA now, tall SFs.

 

[IPC2]

Speaking of potential wingmen. how about Leonard Santillan? he play like Calvin Oftana with defense and his shooting is also decent.

I think Leonand Santillan is more of a four than a wingman. But yeah, with the way he has been playing in the PBA, he can be considered as a Gilas prospect at the 4 spot.

Didn't Santillan make a mess when he played internationally? 3x3, right? Playing him at 4 at FIBA is a death sentence for Gilas. That is something Joke Reyes would do.

I agree he is more of a 4. I think he along with the ineligibles give a decent challenge to the Gilas level guys like Oftana. Good shooting stroke. Decent mobility. Decent strength. But at around 6’4/6’5 undersized for the 4. Slow as a 3. He is slower and IMO less skilled in the perimeter than Oftana.

Speaking about Santi. I think he is of the older school of UAAP PFs. Although skilled, he prioritized strength in the post over versatility in the perimeter. The UAAP PFs now, particularly in UP are more skilled and more mobile laterally. These guys can fill the spot guys like Oftana and Javi are trailblazing in the PBA now, tall SFs.

Santillan is more of a 4 too in my view. He's more of a tweener. Problem is, he's too small for even that position as a 4.

Besides, at 3, we already have Oftana, Malonzo, Dwight, Navarro, Tuffin, Javi, and Arvin. At 4, we have AJ, Carl, Quiambao, Japeth, and Mason, not to mention having JB and Boatwright.

 

[KoolAid2]

The good thing is that we now have some depth at the 3 spot or the small forward position with Dwight, Oftana, Quiambao, Navarro, Tuffin & Javi GDL.

Then in the pipeline are Mark Belmonte, Chico Briones, Jonel Policarpio, Justin Sanchez & maybe Francis Lopez (I actually have doubts about the potential of this guy).

I think never in the history of Philippine basketball that we had as many good size small forwards (6-foot-5/6-foot-6) as we have right now at our disposal.

Wait, so you have doubts on Francis Lopez but not on guys like Briones (didn't even play last season, was mostly 11th man) and Belmonte (Rookie) lmao

 

[xenoloxy2]

Wait, so you have doubts on Francis Lopez but not on guys like Briones (didn't even play last season, was mostly 11th man) and Belmonte (Rookie) lmao

Lopez is better than both lol

 

[JAMSKIE2]

Wait, so you have doubts on Francis Lopez but not on guys like Briones (didn't even play last season, was mostly 11th man) and Belmonte (Rookie) lmao

What I meant there was I have some doubt on the ability of Francis Lopez to play as a wingman. As of this point, Lopez is really the better player compared to both Chico Briones & Mark Belmonte but in terms of the ability to play as a wingman, I feel Briones & Belmonte have the better potential. Lopez skill set as of now is more of that of a "four" than a three or a two. I think Lopez' handles is inferior compared to either Briones or Belmonte.

 

[JAMSKIE2]

Let's put it this way, some 6 years ago Kobe Paras was definitely the most hyped player in the amateur ranks. There was even that hype that he might make it to the NBA. On the other hand, names such as Calvin Oftana & Javi Gomez-De Liano hardly rang a bell 6 years ago. But look who are having the better basketball career right now. Where is Kobe Paras' basketball career heading?

 

[IPC2]

tall, long, athletic players can get away as wing players even with bad handles. trevor ariza & corey brewer among others had very long nba careers as wings with suspect handles. even balti had success playing as a wing under tab even though he doesn't have handles at all.
that said k-quiam is neither tall, long, or athletic. but he's a good shooter and continues to improve so i wouldn't count him out playing as a 2/3 combo for the national team in the future. heck even the much smaller & slower mike nieto was able to transition to SG internationally. also pogoy who played PF when he just started college. actually kquiam becoming a 6'5" pogoy would be great for the national team

Given Pogoy's history of poor performances (poor shooting + poor defense) with Gilas, I'm not sure if that's the projection we want for anyone with the NT. Well, except the effort and the transitioning from 4 to 3/2. Hahahahahaha.

 

[Silent Killer2]

People should learn by long time ago that if a certain player is playing well in PBA that doesnt mean it will translate to FIBA and be effective. Lots of players being suggested. Even bryan miranda's name was mentioned for gilas call up. And sanggalang's name was called up and look what happened. sure certain players are playing good right now in PBA but that doesnt merit a call up..

 

[sroth38392]

Let's put it this way, some 6 years ago Kobe Paras was definitely the most hyped player in the amateur ranks. There was even that hype that he might make it to the NBA. On the other hand, names such as Calvin Oftana & Javi Gomez-De Liano hardly rang a bell 6 years ago. But look who are having the better basketball career right now. Where is Kobe Paras' basketball career heading?

OnlyFans

 

[IPC2]

People should learn by long time ago that if a certain player is playing well in PBA that doesnt mean it will translate to FIBA and be effective. Lots of players being suggested. Even bryan miranda's name was mentioned for gilas call up. And sanggalang's name was called up and look what happened. sure certain players are playing good right now in PBA but that doesnt merit a call up..

We should be looking at the skillset if it fits FIBA competition, and how are they playing well in the PBA or the UAAP/NCAA. Positional size and speed also matters. What works in the PBA/UAAP/NCAA may not necessarily work in FIBA.

And even players whose skillsets fit the FIBA game can fail. Look at Matthew Wright. Good secondary handler, good passer, good shooter, but the guy chokes in FIBA games.

 

[IPC2]

Coach Tim had an interview with Carlo Pamintuan about Gilas plans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23jymNFj9bc

 

[IPC2]

Coach Tim had an interview with Carlo Pamintuan about Gilas plans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23jymNFj9bc

Around the 12:42-12:55 mark, he mentions Bennie Boatwright's versatility in his inside-out game, his size, his athleticism, and his shooting ability.

At the 12:57-13:02 mark, Cone mentions pairing Bennie with Kai and, even playing Bennie at the 3 alongside Kai and June Mar.

I don't need to explain here in detail how pairing Kai and June Mar on the floor together is a bad idea. And then adding another defensive liability in Bennie, well, we will have to score a a lot, because that lineup will be giving up free points almost every other possession.

 

[Giannis34GOD2]

We should be looking at the skillset if it fits FIBA competition, and how are they playing well in the PBA or the UAAP/NCAA. Positional size and speed also matters. What works in the PBA/UAAP/NCAA may not necessarily work in FIBA.

And even players whose skillsets fit the FIBA game can fail. Look at Matthew Wright. Good secondary handler, good passer, good shooter, but the guy chokes in FIBA games.

While Norwood is an good average player in the PBA (Not so legendary status in the PBA) but very important in Gilas.. Norwood might be on the top 10 best players to wear Gilas jersey since the creation of the program in 2009...