Fiba World Cup 2023 Philippines

[analyzed]

He's more athletic than a lot of the guys in the pool

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can Oftana be a combo or big forward ?

[TheRodster21]

He’s 6’5 but he’s more of a sf than Troy ever was, at least he doesn’t look awkward when dribbles

If we talk about athleticism at 13:00 outback dunk in a crowd

can Oftana be a combo or big forward ?

[JAMSKIE]

He’s 6’5 but he’s more of a sf than Troy ever was, at least he doesn’t look awkward when dribbles

If we talk about athleticism at 13:00 outback dunk in a crowd

Great point bro.

While Oftana plays the 4 & 3 spots (perhaps more as a "4") at San Beda, you can see that his skill-set is more of that of a small forward than that of a "four". As you've said, he doesn't look awkward while on the dribble. I say, Oftana's ball handling is that of a natural small forward. I think Oftana's ball handling is within the same level or close to that of Calvin Abueva, Sean Anthony, JC Intal, Kobe Paras, William Navarro.

With regards to Troy Rosario, let's be honest about Troy, he's not a small forward. He spent his teenage & early 20's basketball career playing as a "four" or perhaps even as a center & perhaps he shifted playing some "3" when he entered the PBA. But that is quite late already as analyzed would emphasize. I think the advocate to play Troy as a 3 was born out of the fact that he has a decent 3-point shot & at 6-foot-6, he is a good size 3 in international basketball. While Troy has a good 3-pt. shooting, his handles is very much suspect. He is obviously awkward dribbling the ball.

[ccharmed]

Oftana is a natural sf. But he should strive to improve his explosiveness, which a mere dedicated 6 months worth of training under covid is enough to reach his athleticism needs. Fans here have even posted a lot of videos which help build explosiveness and quickness. Oftana doesnt have the impressive upper body build and power of international forwards at this time.

Kiefer is for pba only. He is too slow, and lacks the explosive sprints, for an international guard. There's no way he can consistently be better than parks or thirdy in the international game. Castro is the slowest you can go for a small guard, and he definitely is not a slouch. Alyssa valdez also dunks better than kiefer, so....

Lets hope no sentimental favorite guards are included in the team ever again. Otherwise, lolo jawo should be the starting point guard.

[lurklurk]

Skill-wise, oftana is definitely a combo forward. Locally, he can excel at that position in any level. Internationally, im not sure if that will fly given his size. I think he will be better suited up as a wing internationally--similar with Abueva before (combo forward locally, wing in international games). 6'4-6'5 at the wing position is already decent. With his skill set and physical tools, i think transition would be smooth.

[JAMSKIE]

Skill-wise, oftana is definitely a combo forward. Locally, he can excel at that position in any level. Internationally, im not sure if that will fly given his size. I think he will be better suited up as a wing internationally--similar with Abueva before (combo forward locally, wing in international games). 6'4-6'5 at the wing position is already decent. With his skill set and physical tools, i think transition would be smooth.

I think the key there is Abueva having decent handles enabling him to be an effective "3" in the international level despite being a combo forward in the local level. The best version of Abueva in Gilas uniform was the one that played with Gilas in 2015 under coach Tab Baldwin. I liked how Abueva would always attack the defense on drives & how he would aggressively finish the break. That became possible mainly because of his decent handles & of course becoz of his very aggressive approach of the game.

We've seen the struggle of players like Niño Canaleta who is a natural "four" in college then transitioned to the 3-spot in the PBA. I think Don Camaso went thru the same struggle. I think the struggle is mainly becoz of poor ball handling.

So for me the big factor for a player who transitions from a combo forward or a natural "four" to a small forward is ball handling.

[analyzed]

Also it's the ability to guard the perimeter latterly

[DenzelGreat8]

1. I mean you shouldn’t make an assumption that the only reason he got to play in the G League and Summer League tas because of connection. He showed that he belongs and played quality minutes.

2. Yes Perez is ahead explosiveness wise and scoring wise. But that’s Perez’ strengths. Parks is more of a playmaking point forward. He likes to use his strength (6’4 215) against smaller PGs meanwhile Perez’ uses his explosiveness and quickness. You could make a point for either depending on the topic you’re talking about.

3. Yep we did see that he was SEABA MVP in 2015. Also a 3xABL MVP(higher level competition than SEA). He was also the local leading scorer for all games before the OQT. Before tab gave him the Norwood role which I believe he played all right. Facilitating and Defending.

4. Parks posting numbers on a team he is heavily relied on is a good thing right? I mean just shows that he is up for it. Just like Perez? Perez is posting good numbers. Only difference is Parks made the Playoffs at both of his PBA appearances (after selling most of their good players). Also BW was placed last in all conferences that Parks didn’t play for them. I think you’d be able to understand that trend.

5. Just my opinion I’d rather have Parks as my Point Guard internationally than Kiefer. Did you see how slow Kiefer was against Indonesia? With Parks’ length and strength. He’ll be able to play a couple more positions than most guys. He can show that if you trust him in playmaking he can take your team places.

Just my opinion bro.

It's all good bro, it's a healthy discussion anyways. Parks played ok during the summer league and G league. If guys like Perez, Matthew Wright, Thirdy etc. were given opportunity to play there, they would in my opinion perform better than Parks. Perez of course will, we saw what he can do in a legit high level competition in Fiba world.

There are 3 mvp categories in ABL (import, local, heritage). He was the local MVP in ABL but who else is he competing with? Wong Wei Long? Not a lot of local competion for MVP.

As for the he was the leading local scorer in games before oqt, he had a decent game vs Iran, but he was flat most of the tune up games;
vs Turkey 2 times, Italy, and I think he even went scoreless vs China (Zou, Yi and Guo Ailun did not even played in that game).

As for the Kiefer-Parks, it's debatable but Kiefer had showed more than Parks in international games. Granted that this is presuspension Kiefer, but the tournament he played with Isaiah Austin, he showed that he can be a lead guard for our team. He averaged 20/3/3. He was average vs Indonesia, but I think he just needs more time babalik din rhythm niya. I cannot remember any Ray Parks signature game in Fiba or even in a Jones Cup tournament.

He did make the playoffs with Blackwater once, and in his last conference he was in danger of missing one had he was not traded to TNT. And bro we saw kapag may other reliable teammates na si Parks eh he was very frustrating to watch being a role player. Pogoy, a former bench warmer in FEU, is performing better than him. I lost it on Parks when he cannot even outplay Chris Newsome, let alone a college tweener in Bong Quinto.

For the national team, ok he can maybe an asset. Another Norwood, a point forward. If Dwight Ramos does not pan out as a point forward, kung hilaw pa by 2023 then get Parks. If Thirdy cannot effectively play the role of a guard defender, then consider ray parks. For the depth chart 1-3 positions:

PG- Kiefer , Bolick, 1GDL, - Romeo and Martin, outside looking
SG - CJ Perez, Thirdy, Pogoy, - Matt Wright outside looking
SF - Kobe Paras, Dwight Ramos

Of all the positions, I think it's the SF spot that we are obviously thin. It's the position that he could play for us, if he might want to play. A big IF for a guy who already turned down a fiba world tournament last 2019.

[Silent Killer]

In terms of g league, yudai baba has better avg. Than brp jr.

[mathematicianrcg]

Bobby Ray Parks Jr. is a good player. In fact, Dallas will draft him if Singh of India is not available. And obviously parks is better than singh. Just wrong choice by Dallas.

Parks should be atleast considered to the pool.

Having said that, I agree with astigram04 that we should invest more on more ceiling guys. Anyway that is EWP doing right now.

And ok I gonna reveal it. EWP will sponsor Lebron Lopez and Sage Tolentino to train in Atlanta. (Dont ask for the source please. But you will see that in the near future or should I say in a few months.hehe)

Note: That doesn't confirm Sage is eligible though. But atleast we have lopez following the path of Kai

[qwertyz]

It's all good bro, it's a healthy discussion anyways. Parks played ok during the summer league and G league. If guys like Perez, Matthew Wright, Thirdy etc. were given opportunity to play there, they would in my opinion perform better than Parks. Perez of course will, we saw what he can do in a legit high level competition in Fiba world.

There are 3 mvp categories in ABL (import, local, heritage). He was the local MVP in ABL but who else is he competing with? Wong Wei Long? Not a lot of local competion for MVP.

As for the he was the leading local scorer in games before oqt, he had a decent game vs Iran, but he was flat most of the tune up games;
vs Turkey 2 times, Italy, and I think he even went scoreless vs China (Zou, Yi and Guo Ailun did not even played in that game).

As for the Kiefer-Parks, it's debatable but Kiefer had showed more than Parks in international games. Granted that this is presuspension Kiefer, but the tournament he played with Isaiah Austin, he showed that he can be a lead guard for our team. He averaged 20/3/3. He was average vs Indonesia, but I think he just needs more time babalik din rhythm niya. I cannot remember any Ray Parks signature game in Fiba or even in a Jones Cup tournament.

He did make the playoffs with Blackwater once, and in his last conference he was in danger of missing one had he was not traded to TNT. And bro we saw kapag may other reliable teammates na si Parks eh he was very frustrating to watch being a role player. Pogoy, a former bench warmer in FEU, is performing better than him. I lost it on Parks when he cannot even outplay Chris Newsome, let alone a college tweener in Bong Quinto.

For the national team, ok he can maybe an asset. Another Norwood, a point forward. If Dwight Ramos does not pan out as a point forward, kung hilaw pa by 2023 then get Parks. If Thirdy cannot effectively play the role of a guard defender, then consider ray parks. For the depth chart 1-3 positions:

PG- Kiefer , Bolick, 1GDL, - Romeo and Martin, outside looking
SG - CJ Perez, Thirdy, Pogoy, - Matt Wright outside looking
SF - Kobe Paras, Dwight Ramos

Of all the positions, I think it's the SF spot that we are obviously thin. It's the position that he could play for us, if he might want to play. A big IF for a guy who already turned down a fiba world tournament last 2019.

Yes healthy discussion indeed.
1. For the G League/Summer League topic. I dont think its fair to say they would play better than Parks. Matthew Wright wasn’t even invited after going undrafted. Perez Even when he was 25y/o, was still in college basketball. With Thirdy naman I actually thought he would skip his last playing year and try out for the NBA. So It wouldn’t be fair to compare them to Parks when he actually did it and spent some time there. When the 3 you just mentioned were nowhere close to where Parks was, when he was 22/23.

2. I mean being Recognised as the best local is still pretty good. I mean I wouldn’t take credit away from Parks when he clearly is recognised as one of the better players in the league during that time. You gotta admit he still played pretty good to achieve that MVP award.

3. I actually thought Tab would let him loose like when he played vs Iran, Italy. But Tab had other plans. Which is actually better a defensive point forward.

4. I definitely agree with you he lost aggressiveness in some points during his TNT stint. But again dont take credit away from him, he made both playoffs he played in. Both times he didn’t play for Blackwater they played worse. Really hard to play with a guy like Castro (even Romeo couldn’t do it) locally. You could see him just wait for the ball in corner or in the wing. Very frustrating.

5. I’d just love CJ Perez 6’2 and Ray Parks 6’4 as future Gilas Point Guards. Both tall and athletic internationally speaking. That’ll probably be one of our better Gilas PGs in the future. And with that we couls probably get away And cheat with Thirdy or someone below 6’5 at our 3 position.

We’ll just have to wait and see how Parks will play this season. And IF he ever wants to play for Gilas. I think he’s doing a Steven Adams against Gilas. He wants Gilas to do more than just cover the usuals. He kept implying that if he were to get injured during Gilas practice Or the world cup. SBP wouldn’t do anything to help him in his career in the future.

[TheRodster21]

If you look at the guys in the pool, Rey suerte, tungcab, Nieto bros, rr pogoy etc. Oftana is more athletic and he’s legit 6’5 (same height as Dwight Ramos). As for defense he can laterally keep up with Mallilin, Andrade and Ramos.

[tomcat]

It's up to parks if he's still interested to play for our national team.. if he's not interested and he does a Lassiter type of alibis then we just move on in him.. always remember playing for national team is privileged.. walang sapilitan.. if he has a fighting heart of a Calvin abueva then he is always shoo-in..

In 2013, Parks played for the Philippines in SEA Games. In 2015, Parks played for Gilas Cadets at the SEABA championships and the Southeast Asian Games.

In July 2016, Parks played for Gilas Pilipinas at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila.

Parks was part of the team that represented the Philippines in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games. They won the Gold medal after beating Indonesia 94-55, winning his 3rd SEA Games Gold medal in the process.

But lately he declined to play for Gilas Pilipinas because at that time he is still negotiating his contract with TNT(what if nainjury siya in the middle of tournament like AJ).

For people to actually believe that I don't want to represent my country is crazy. Kaya nga naglaro sa Alab (Pilipinas) and went abroad carrying the Philippine flag anywhere and everywhere I go,” said Parks.

[JAMSKIE]

If you look at the guys in the pool, Rey suerte, tungcab, Nieto bros, rr pogoy etc. Oftana is more athletic and he’s legit 6’5 (same height as Dwight Ramos). As for defense he can laterally keep up with Mallilin, Andrade and Ramos.

Speaking of Oftana, Dwight Ramos & athleticism, I've seen a No. of Dwight's game in this year's PCCL, from what I saw, Oftana is more athletic than Dwight. Comparing Oftana's athleticism with that of Dwight is somewhat like comparing JC Intal & Rayray Parks' athleticism.

But while Dwight can alternate at the 3 & 2 spots with relative ease, the same could not be said about Oftana alternating at the 3 & 2 spot. I doubt about Oftana's ability to slide to the 2 spot.

Just my humble opinion.

[TheRodster21]

Speaking of Oftana, Dwight Ramos & athleticism, I've seen a No. of Dwight's game in this year's PCCL, from what I saw, Oftana is more athletic than Dwight. Comparing Oftana's athleticism with that of Dwight is somewhat like comparing JC Intal & Rayray Parks' athleticism.

But while Dwight can alternate at the 3 & 2 spots with relative ease, the same could not be said about Oftana alternating at the 3 & 2 spot. I doubt about Oftana's ability to slide to the 2 spot.

Just my humble opinion.

I think him and Dwight athletically are on par mainly because Dwight is heavier but I’d say right now Oftana is bouncier