Philippines Senior National Team Thread Vol. V

[C2Hamm2]

Off Topic: Our first ever medal at the Asian Winter Games. Congratulations Philippine Curling Team.
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congrats. i dont understand what they were talking about at the start. are they all from Europe?

 

[ARMIR2]

QMB can replace JF right now and Gilas wont lose much. The thing with him is he has already reached his ceiling. Cant be much better anymore. So the playing in Japan for development doesnt make sense. He is not good enough to play in big european leagues. So the PBA is his best and most logical option for pro basketball.

​​​​​SMB can give him the money he wants. Why he is still not with Gilas is most probably becuase he is not hagop eligible. Lets wait til they fix this

Looking at QMB's work,he looks like more a 4,probably can play 5 in short minutes,Gilas really need a real 5,that's why the clamor for AK34,with Kai and AJ will have recurring injuries,they need another steady big man,problem is if he goes local and play in the PBA,he definitely not gonna play for any SMC franchise teams,and that irritates Long Hair.

 

[thatweirdguy2]

And we scored in the paint with Kai to answer NZ's shooting as well as a good defensive stretch. The offensive rebounding helped too.

I think many people forgot how much an improved Kai brings to the team. We could have won more games with him if was playing at the level he is now back when Chot is the coach.

Also TC's Ginebra guys are old and will start to show more now.

 

[BJ_Reloaded2]

congrats. i dont understand what they were talking about at the start. are they all from Europe?

Sir C2,

those hafus are all Switzerland born

the good thing is Switzerland is considered as one of the top caliber as far as the discipline are concern.

and that's a good foundation moving forward considering that theirs a lot of young Swiss hafus and diaspora

that are taking up the sport alongside Alpine Skiing, Speedskating, Free-Style Skiing all Winter Olympic Sports.

in fact the Christian Haller is a 2-time World Junior medallist and the Pfister bros. are Olympic vets representing Switzerland

as per news the PH coach wife of one of the Pfister are now in the process of changing nationality to represent PHI in the

immediate future.

that Gold Medal achievement indeed created a domino effect to the hafu swiss community and expect more of them

to represent the country moving forward.​

 

[Metta2]

Can you blame us for having that mindset on the PBA? We had a lot of underperforming PBA players and underperforming Gilas teams. And then Tab's amateur team beats SoKor twice. And then we got the silver in 2022 SEA Games with a rotation of 6 PBA players in the final game (where I think only June Mar and Wright had good performances from the PBA contingent). As for PBA players, the only consistently serviceable players I saw after 2016 were Castro, June Mar, Abueva, and Gabe. CJ and Bolick did well in FIBA too, but that was just the 2019 World Cup. Guys like Pogoy, Troy, and Wright underperformed. Then we see guys like Dwight, Carl, Heading, and Navarro do good in FIBA.

Now, after seeing good defensive performances from Scottie and Newsome, at least the PBA could provide quality. Japeth got rejuvenated. And I saw Oftana become serviceable at least as a defender. And credit to coach Tim for picking PBA players that are at least serviceable in FIBA. And even Chot's WC lineup had a good enough PBA contingent, the only one I disagreed with was Pogoy (who admittedly performed well in the November 2022 window and WC after performing badly in the SEA Games).

I wasn't in favor of Chua and SMC getting involved due to preference in players, and for fear of having a PBA-centric development plan (in lieu of having our kids developing abroad for a career in the States, Europe, or Aussie), but fair play to him for saying that he's open to kids and non-PBA players making the senior team.

As for the PBA now, it's just the schedule I'm worried about. Will we have enough time to rest and prepare for FIBA tournaments proper?

Fair points. I also hated how the PBA has been uncooperative (bordering on sabotage) and always used a hastily assembled and prepared NT. I've always believed that the long-term approach of coach Tab's version was our best bet and was so disappointed when it blew up.

It was also worrying that the golden generation that I believe we potentially had was going to be wasted.

Then, CTC's version popped up. It's far from ideal...but ideal is impossible in our country. Given the conditions that has to be navigated...politics, drama, etc...it still somehow has some of the elements that I think is essential. A long-term system approach and the use of our young potential golden generation players. Then it started getting impressive wins. And on top of that, the pearl of the generation which is Kai, was unlocked by the system. It masks his deficiencies and enhances his advantages (including our lack of shooters and trad PGs with size/defense). Suddenly, there's a realistic upward trajectory.

An important key point here is also...what are the alternatives, what team/coach is a better option. One that could work in our unideal environment. Transport to the time when Tab's program just blew up...things looked gloomy with no viable option in sight.

 

[Metta2]

I think many people forgot how much an improved Kai brings to the team. We could have won more games with him if was playing at the level he is now back when Chot is the coach.

Also TC's Ginebra guys are old and will start to show more now.

I think the system was key in unlocking Kai. His advantage (length) combined with that of JMF (strength) gave us a world class frontcourt. Any other system would have had a hard time making that duo play together, in fact everyone doubted it.

It masks Kai's weaknesses especially on defense...one of which is the versatile perimeter defense of Dwight, Newsome and Scottie. They cover a lot of ground helping the lumbering duo. But none is a trad PG (needed by most other systems) because it isn't needed. The defensive balance on the floor and reliance on chemistry/team defense also masks the slow defenders.

One strength of Kai that is also unleashed is his BBIQ. He's able to read over the defense and make great short passes off other guys movement and he doesn't have to dribble to make assists and knock down short jumpers to keep defenses honest. Not possible in DDO and maybe even pace and space.

 

[BJ_Reloaded2]

I simply don't understand why they didn't include AK34 to that Qatar training camp considering CTC already mentioned

that the big fellow is an integral part of the program moving forward.

anyway on the hand, I'm trying to understand that maybe CTC and Grandpa Chualay

are keeping their trump card on their chest for now considering the Feb. window is a non-bearing game for us.

on that part, I'm cool on that strategy.(if it is true "kung ganun nga talaga" ).

Philippine developed and schooled AK34 are already ripe for local exemption and Grandpa Dean a SBP adviser

mentioned many times in his column about this FIBA's provision and in-fact posted recently that he is totally in favor

of allowing the FSA to play in the league thru certain condition

maybe as part of his usual advise to his fellow PBA Grandpas that they really need some innovation moving forward

I've already posted in a separate thread that the PBA that one of the innovation that worth considering is to put

an In-Season type of a Conference considering the league was an active EASL member

and one of the black eye(s) of the participating PBA ball club is the lack of chemistry and cohesion with their imports

that resulted to lopsided losses here and there.

wherein as per playbook, all participating club teams are allowed to parade 2 World import and NP's

like AK34 and JB are already considered as local

as for the QMB storyline, again the family already submitted all the pertinent documents to FIBA via SBP

and FIBA Asia Cup is still a few months away and the actual training camp for this tourney is still in the to do's list.

I think the coaching staff including CTC and Grandpa Chualay already seen those weaknesses that resulted to that

2 losses without Kai.

indeed forming a high profile basketball team like Gilas is an onion

 

[IPC2]

Fair points. I also hated how the PBA has been uncooperative (bordering on sabotage) and always used a hastily assembled and prepared NT. I've always believed that the long-term approach of coach Tab's version was our best bet and was so disappointed when it blew up.

It was also worrying that the golden generation that I believe we potentially had was going to be wasted.

Then, CTC's version popped up. It's far from ideal...but ideal is impossible in our country. Given the conditions that has to be navigated...politics, drama, etc...it still somehow has some of the elements that I think is essential. A long-term system approach and the use of our young potential golden generation players. Then it started getting impressive wins. And on top of that, the pearl of the generation which is Kai, was unlocked by the system. It masks his deficiencies and enhances his advantages (including our lack of shooters and trad PGs with size/defense). Suddenly, there's a realistic upward trajectory.

An important key point here is also...what are the alternatives, what team/coach is a better option. One that could work in our unideal environment. Transport to the time when Tab's program just blew up...things looked gloomy with no viable option in sight.

I just hope we can qualify for 2027 and 2028, and in the long term, take advantage of the generation of Kai, Dwight, and AJ. Some continuity as well. Hopefully we keep that upward trajectory.

And as for the PBA back then, of the players we sent, how many were even good enough for FIBA? Remember, we sent some subpar lineups in the 2019 WC and the 2022 SEA Games (although I thought we could still win the 2022 SEA Games with that lineup). That's on top of being hastily assembled and prepared.

 

[thatweirdguy2]

I think the system was key in unlocking Kai. His advantage (length) combined with that of JMF (strength) gave us a world class frontcourt. Any other system would have had a hard time making that duo play together, in fact everyone doubted it.

It masks Kai's weaknesses especially on defense...one of which is the versatile perimeter defense of Dwight, Newsome and Scottie. They cover a lot of ground helping the lumbering duo. But none is a trad PG (needed by most other systems) because it isn't needed. The defensive balance on the floor and reliance on chemistry/team defense also masks the slow defenders.

One strength of Kai that is also unleashed is his BBIQ. He's able to read over the defense and make great short passes off other guys movement and he doesn't have to dribble to make assists and knock down short jumpers to keep defenses honest. Not possible in DDO and maybe even pace and space.

We miss his inside presence which opened up a lot of things for us. It just isn't the same with just Junemar and honestly AJ. They were meant to compliment not relieve each other.

Also we need to groom our Brownlee/ Newsome replacement. Heck JF and Japeth too but we'll probably need them until their wheels fall off.

 

[JAMSKIE2]

Here's my take, when coach Tim was appointed head coach of Gilas, I really had some doubts on him if he can get the job done. But after that 2023 Asian Games gold medal campaign despite of a Gilas team not having enough preparation, and of course the mighty upset of world No. 6 Latvia in last year's OQT & the historic victory over New Zealand, I'm convinced coach Tim is the right man for the job.

I honestly thought coach Tab Baldwin is the right man for the job. But as we all know, Philippine basketball is very much diluted with the dirt of politics. Coach Tab may be the best coach for Gilas in so far as the X & O's of the game is concerned, but he definitely doesn't earn the approval of major stakeholders of Philippine basketball. Coach Tim Cone on the other hand is an SMC guy which of course is the most powerful & most influential basketball organization in the country. And of course, coach Tim is among the most likeable basketball personalities in the country.

 

[ARMIR2]

I simply don't understand why they didn't include AK34 to that Qatar training camp considering CTC already mentioned

that the big fellow is an integral part of the program moving forward.

anyway on the hand, I'm trying to understand that maybe CTC and Grandpa Chualay

are keeping their trump card on their chest for now considering the Feb. window is a non-bearing game for us.

on that part, I'm cool on that strategy.(if it is true "kung ganun nga talaga" ).

Philippine developed and schooled AK34 are already ripe for local exemption and Grandpa Dean a SBP adviser

mentioned many times in his column about this FIBA's provision and in-fact posted recently that he is totally in favor

of allowing the FSA to play in the league thru certain condition

maybe as part of his usual advise to his fellow PBA Grandpas that they really need some innovation moving forward

I've already posted in a separate thread that the PBA that one of the innovation that worth considering is to put

an In-Season type of a Conference considering the league was an active EASL member

and one of the black eye(s) of the participating PBA ball club is the lack of chemistry and cohesion with their imports

that resulted to lopsided losses here and there.

wherein as per playbook, all participating club teams are allowed to parade 2 World import and NP's

like AK34 and JB are already considered as local

as for the QMB storyline, again the family already submitted all the pertinent documents to FIBA via SBP

and FIBA Asia Cup is still a few months away and the actual training camp for this tourney is still in the to do's list.

I think the coaching staff including CTC and Grandpa Chualay already seen those weaknesses that resulted to that

2 losses without Kai.

indeed forming a high profile basketball team like Gilas is an onion

If and when AKB34 will be considered as a local and plays in the PBA,he will definitely won't be playing in any SMC/Gins teams,he will play with the Pineda's for sure,imagine what type of impact would that be against the SMC teams.That's just my observation on why the foot dragging on AK34's case.

 

[IPC2]

Strengths of Bolick are iso scoring and playmaking (both require high usage/him holding the ball long). Both abilities are not a good fit in the triangle unless one will occupy the MJ/Kobe role which is Brownlee.

I'd rather have a Winston type who can potentially concentrate on defense then be versatile on offense. His midrange also fits the system. Heading also because elite catch and shoot types are always valuable (zone busters). And Navarro and Tuffin with their length and athleticism.

But still, I would make defensive ability the priority because the system can afford that. We can load up on elite defenders (who brings other things) because the system is the playmaker.

I think we'll need someone to carry some scoring load so we don't rely too much on Kai and the NP. He'll need to operate well within a structured system, of course.

Same thoughts on defensive ability being the priority. Especially in the wing and bigman positions.

 

[IPC2]

I think SMC & SBP will wait for Mike Philipps to turn pro, enter the PBA to be specific, before they apply for FIBA exemption for Mike to play as a Filipino local player.

Of course he has to play for one of the SMC teams as a caveat

Well, it now looks like SMC has no control on QMB. If QMB is declared by FIBA as Pinoy local player, SMC can't do anything to stop QMB to play in Japan or elsewhere outside of the PBA. But with Mike Philipps, SMC can throw a condition: "Play for us or we won't apply for your FIBA exemption."

If I remember, being FIBA-eligible is not the condition for eligibility as an Asian import in the B.League. It's playing for Gilas as a FIBA-eligible.​​​

 

[C2Hamm2]

If I remember, being FIBA-eligible is not the condition for eligibility as an Asian import in the B.League. It's playing for Gilas as a FIBA-eligible.​​​

did Adams play for Gilas under FIba sanctioned tournament?

 

[lem0nadi2]

did Adams play for Gilas under FIba sanctioned tournament?

Yeah, it was when Jordan Clarkson debuted as Gilas in a FIBA setting against Lebanon, the Arakji night night game. He was included in that lineup.

 

[Silent Killer2]

If I remember, being FIBA-eligible is not the condition for eligibility as an Asian import in the B.League. It's playing for Gilas as a FIBA-eligible.​​​

reasons tuffin can’t play for b.league because he needs to play for our NT..

 

[C2Hamm2]

Yeah, it was when Jordan Clarkson debuted as Gilas in a FIBA setting against Lebanon, the Arakji night night game. He was included in that lineup.

thanks. wow, that lineup still had the Ravena bros.

 

[Metta2]

Here's my take, when coach Tim was appointed head coach of Gilas, I really had some doubts on him if he can get the job done. But after that 2023 Asian Games gold medal campaign despite of a Gilas team not having enough preparation, and of course the mighty upset of world No. 6 Latvia in last year's OQT & the historic victory over New Zealand, I'm convinced coach Tim is the right man for the job.

I honestly thought coach Tab Baldwin is the right man for the job. But as we all know, Philippine basketball is very much diluted with the dirt of politics. Coach Tab may be the best coach for Gilas in so far as the X & O's of the game is concerned, but he definitely doesn't earn the approval of major stakeholders of Philippine basketball. Coach Tim Cone on the other hand is an SMC guy which of course is the most powerful & most influential basketball organization in the country. And of course, coach Tim is among the most likeable basketball personalities in the country.

Nice that you're now saying what I've been trying to tell you for a while now.

CTC's Gilas version is our best option right now. And like I've said, it's not ideal, but ideal doesn't work in our country. Politics and drama is inextricable in our society, those thinking it's avoidable is delusional. CTC so far is the best compromise able to navigate through all the bull manure. Complaints about pool size, selection, etc can all be valid, but is it realistic? It's like saying we can get rid of politics, which is again delusional. CTC's way/diskarte is the compromise, and so far the results have been good and even surprising.

Time is also ticking, our potential golden generation has an expiration date and it's just fortunate that there is a long-term program that (even with all its fault) is on the upswing. Rocking it too much can derail the program again and put us back at the starting point. We rock the boat when the voyage/direction looks bad not when it's good. Sure it's fine to expect/ask for improvements, but some are overboard and can't get over things that are inextricable.

 

[JAMSKIE2]

https://www.spin.ph/basketball/fiba...as-as-a-local-a800-20250216?ref=home_hybrid_2

“We're checking the green passport of QMB. We also filed before Fiba minus the green passport and checking what they will label him,” said Panlilio in a text message.

I just don't know what Panlilio meant by this.

"And I think with what he and his family claim, malinaw ang chance that he gets to play as a local”

If only it wasn't Panlilio who made this opinion, I would be much more convinced that QMB has a very good chance of being declared by FIBA as a Pinoy local player. Panlilio's credibility remains a question mark for me. Nevertheless, I'm still optimistic that QMB will eventually be declared by FIBA as a Pinoy local player.

 

[BJ_Reloaded2]

If and when AKB34 will be considered as a local and plays in the PBA,he will definitely won't be playing in any SMC/Gins teams,he will play with the Pineda's for sure,imagine what type of impact would that be against the SMC teams.That's just my observation on why the foot dragging on AK34's case.

Good Day Sir Armir,

giving local exemption to Philippine developed both educationally and skillsets both on AK34 and I also want to add Favour Onoh on this, is really inevitable

whether the Grandpas from the SMC group agreed on it 100 percent or not

because many ordinary basketball fan nowadays are beginning to understand those provisions thanks to social media like youtube among others because we had access to

watch different FIBA games wherein we are expose to the reality that "ay puede pala maglaro yun player kahit hindi talaga siya taga dun since birth".

and as far as the official rule book are concern it is freely downloadable to everyone to read all it's provisions

and all of us are now educated on many things about FIBA basketball, NBA, Euro League among others.

the landscape are totally different now since they establish the league in 1975.

and the PBA Grandpas had no other choice but to adapt what is the current norm of "International basketball".

otherwise if they are still boneheaded and continue to adapt that 1975 by-laws

they cannot entice existing and new generation of fans to watch the game at the venue.

"Change is Inevitable Mr. Anderson" - Hugo Weaving.