Philippines Senior National Team Thread Vol. V

[Silent Killer]

Good thing JB can defend as a 3 and as a 4 right now, which is why he's OK as the NP for now.

But until Kai develops into a reliable defender in the FIBA level against China, SoKor, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, and Japan-level teams, we'll need a good 4/5 defender to succeed JB. 4, so Kai can still play alongside him, and 5, so that we have an extra man at that spot in case AJ is out and Kai is on the bench.

Mike Phillips. Is he tag as local now or no? If he is then he can be stop gap for aj

[IPC]

Mike Phillips. Is he tag as local now or no? If he is then he can be stop gap for aj

Mike's NP for now.

[BJ_Reloaded]

with AJ's availability hanging in the balance, I think it's really high time for SBP to work on AK34's exemption moving forward.

we've discussing this issue since the time of Adam that the main concern really of our program is the lack of ceiling in the 4 and 5 spots.

yes Kai and JMF can fill-up the spots but in reality it's not enough, we badly need additional inches in that position.

if indeed Kamaka is already a PH passport holder before turning 16 that's a welcome development but the real big question is does the dude are interested enough to change allegiance and play for us in the Senior level, were really hoping for that.

as for 6'9 QMB we cannot confirm yet if he is already a document holder after turning 16 during the time that the dude was being courted by the SBP during his Senior year in HS.

as for 6'10 CJ Lane we already know he almost ended up playing for DLSU several years ago when he and his younger bro 6'4 Chase are already attending(?) classes at Taft during that time, the next question is does the Lane's already acquired the docs after turning 16.

6'10 Geo Chiu are sweating out there in Taiwan and grinding himself in the sweat shop hoping he could land a lucrative spot in coming B.League season, he is not yet on that level that we were expecting.

Motor Mike, Brandon Bates, Keith Datu, James Laput and Luis Villegas is still a work in progress let's what will be their status after the 2027 cycle.

there are several kids in the pipeline as well, the Yap's, the Versoza's, the Tumandeng's, the Alter's, that tall Fil-Can kid from the recently concluded Manila Live games and those tall Fil-African kids of the Jr. MPBL are still babies of the game let see what will be their progress come 2032 up to 2034 cycle.

all of them are still on our wishful thinking hoping to become a reality in the immediate future.

[IPC]

with AJ's availability hanging in the balance, I think it's really high time for SBP to work on AK34's exemption moving forward.

we've discussing this issue since the time of Adam that the main concern really of our program is the lack of ceiling in the 4 and 5 spots.

yes Kai and JMF can fill-up the spots but in reality it's not enough, we badly need additional inches in that position.

if indeed Kamaka is already a PH passport holder before turning 16 that's a welcome development but the real big question is does the dude are interested enough to change allegiance and play for us in the Senior level, were really hoping for that.

as for 6'9 QMB we cannot confirm yet if he is already a document holder after turning 16 during the time that the dude was being courted by the SBP during his Senior year in HS.

as for 6'10 CJ Lane we already know he almost ended up playing for DLSU several years ago when he and his younger bro 6'4 Chase are already attending(?) classes at Taft during that time, the next question is does the Lane's already acquired the docs after turning 16.

6'10 Geo Chiu are sweating out there in Taiwan and grinding himself in the sweat shop hoping he could land a lucrative spot in coming B.League season, he is not yet on that level that we were expecting.

Motor Mike, Brandon Bates, Keith Datu, James Laput and Luis Villegas is still a work in progress let's what will be their status after the 2027 cycle.

there are several kids in the pipeline as well, the Yap's, the Versoza's, the Tumandeng's, the Alter's, that tall Fil-Can kid from the recently concluded Manila Live games and those tall Fil-African kids of the Jr. MPBL are still babies of the game let see what will be their progress come 2032 up to 2034 cycle.

all of them are still on our wishful thinking hoping to become a reality in the immediate future.

Not really ceiling. We have that at the 4 with Carl, JB, and AJ, and Kai, AJ. June Mar at 5.

The issue is, from that group, only AJ and JB are the reliable defenders in the 4 and 5 spots. And when AJ's not available, and JB's retire, who will we look to for defense? If we have no interior defenders on the floor, how will we shield the bigs from drives and PnR targets?

[BJ_Reloaded]

Not really ceiling. We have that at the 4 with Carl, JB, and AJ, and Kai, AJ. June Mar at 5.

The issue is, from that group, only AJ and JB are the reliable defenders in the 4 and 5 spots. And when AJ's not available, and JB's retire, who will we look to for defense? If we have no interior defenders on the floor, how will we shield the bigs from drives and PnR targets?

Sir IPC,

so far I haven't seen nor found any players hafus or local that has that defensive skill sets we need as per our expectation on that particular (high) level IMOP observation.

I've seen some glimpse in Kai Ballugay, Motor Mike, Zav Lucero, Will Nav, Keith Datu and Ron Harper Jr.

except for Will Navarro the others are not yet FIBA eligibles but I had a high expectations on this.

the likes of PJ Washington, idol Klay, Draymond, MPJ, KCP, AG, Trey Murphy III among others pops up in my mind..those players with long arms and length.

that spot is our weakest link until now.

at least our 1,and 2 spots are almost competitive internationally.

on the 3 spots were getting there.

[Rds]

This is why I'm still high on Balti. Yes, he's stagnant or possibly regressing in MPBL but his defense still seems decent based on the last Dubai tourney. Arakji cooked him once on the post, but fortunately replays show the guard lifted his pivot foot. After Edu, he is still our best defensive PF.

[one21guns]

I agree, we need an NP that is an elite 4/5 defender. Like I said, it's the type of player that is hardest for us to naturally develop.

I really hope that SBP will consider on looking for another NP prospect so we can have contingency. Bennie is good offensively and can shoot the lights out any given night. But I think that it's more beneficial for Gilas to have a NP who is a glass-eater, very mobile, has active motor, and with strong defensive tools. Someone with massive wingspan, solid size and strength in the post. Somebody who is at least 6'10 and comfortable on switching and guarding the perimeter if needs be.

If you guys are familiar with Jalen Duren of the Pistons, in my opinion his strengths are perfect for Gilas. Though his offensive skillset is still a work in progress, he is an excellent offensive rebounder and runs the floor extremely well. He can score 15-20 points easily on put-backs, lobs, screen and roll actions and transition baskets alone (with unselfish facilitators). He is also not afraid to play through contact and deftly carves out space for bully ball baskets. So far he got a little bit of middy and a shot that will stretch out towards the 3pt line in time but for now he’s mostly a mid-range and around the rim scorer. He also has a developing feel for the game and passing skills. Physically, the 6'10 Duren covers massive ground on the court on both ends with his 7'5 wingspan and around 250 lbs frame. Duren is a formidable shot-blocker and overall defensive presence. He can have a major impact for Gilas through his size, strength and effort. I think Duren in the very near future can be a perfect example of a mixture of a throwback center and modern flexible, fluid big man.

I dunno if SBP can afford him but he is still very young at 20 years old (drafted 13th overall). His sophomore stats last season is also quite impressive:

13.8 pts
11.6 reb
2.4 ast
0.8 blk
0.5 stl
61.9 % fg
79.9 % ft
3.1 pf
2.1 tov
29.1 minutes of playing time

He also ranks 7th in the league in offensive rebounds (3.1 per game) and has the impressive ability to recover to get a block, as well as his ability to cover a great amount of space to fly in and reject a shot. If ever, Duren's playing style can complement Kai and Carl's finesse game and their defensive deficiencies. AJ also will not be forced to play long minutes and can be a solid back-up center for our NP. At the same time, the defensive intensity and rebounding will be maintained.

[JAMSKIE]

Am I right in my observation that there is more interest among Pinoy IBNers on collegiate tournaments, even pre-season pa lang, than following PBA games?

Not much talk is there about the current PBA Philippine Cup finals between Meralco & SMB. Yet the threads on Fil-oil Eco oil College Preseason tournament & Pinoy Liga have been busy as of late.

[IPC]

Am I right in my observation that there is more interest among Pinoy IBNers on collegiate tournaments, even pre-season pa lang, than following PBA games?

Not much talk is there about the current PBA Philippine Cup finals between Meralco & SMB. Yet the threads on Fil-oil Eco oil College Preseason tournament & Pinoy Liga have been busy as of late.

I'm watching the PBA more nowadays. That's the only time I can watch basketball full-time. Plus, I'm enjoying the series. I only watch UP maybe in free time, and only if the lineup is something I like (aka not a 3-guard lineup involving three of Alarcon, Felicilda, Cagulangan, Torres, and Abadiano).

As for the other IBNers, I probably think they're more interested in the collegiate tournaments.

[Silent Killer]

I'm watching the PBA more nowadays. I'm reviewing for the bar, and I have lecture classes, so that's the only time I can watch basketball full-time. Plus, I'm enjoying the series. I only watch UP maybe in free time, and only if the lineup is something I like (aka not a 3-guard lineup involving three of Alarcon, Felicilda, Cagulangan, Torres, and Abadiano).

As for the other IBNers, I probably think they're more interested in the collegiate tournaments.

No pba games for me but more of collegiate and hs games plus some 3x3, kbl, nbl, b-league some euroleague. I Rather watch fil oil games or hs games than PBA..

very few watches european leagues here that's why i stop posting

[JAMSKIE]

I'm watching the PBA more nowadays. That's the only time I can watch basketball full-time. Plus, I'm enjoying the series. I only watch UP maybe in free time, and only if the lineup is something I like (aka not a 3-guard lineup involving three of Alarcon, Felicilda, Cagulangan, Torres, and Abadiano).

As for the other IBNers, I probably think they're more interested in the collegiate tournaments.

I wonder if you'll have the same enthusiasm watching the PBA Phi Cup finals if its SMB & Ginebra playing in there?

[Rds]

Am I right in my observation that there is more interest among Pinoy IBNers on collegiate tournaments, even pre-season pa lang, than following PBA games?

Not much talk is there about the current PBA Philippine Cup finals between Meralco & SMB. Yet the threads on Fil-oil Eco oil College Preseason tournament & Pinoy Liga have been busy as of late.

I watched the first minutes of the Fil-oil finals but I switched to 3x3 I think and PBA then switched back on lulls. There were some scoring lulls in the FIl-oil. I was also annoyed by the drums. It was obvious it was meant to distract the freethrow taker, particularly the first attempt. They were very effective I think. I was also unimpressed with matching Gani Stevens with the FSA. Well I guess it worked because UP won. Also annoyed Alarcon matching up KQ. So I was happy KQ finally solved that. The skill level of the PBA is still better even without tall imports. I'm actually looking forward to the unli height conference.

The finals is actually a close contest. Nenad is a very good coach and Bates is the best JMF stopper out there and they sill have Almazan and other guys to tire out JMF.

[IPC]

I wonder if you'll have the same enthusiasm watching the PBA Phi Cup finals if its SMB & Ginebra playing in there?

You asked the wrong person. I'm a Ginebra fan. Of course I'll have the enthusiasm (although I will scream at them for bad plays a bit more).

[sroth3839]

I wonder if you'll have the same enthusiasm watching the PBA Phi Cup finals if its SMB & Ginebra playing in there?

I wonder if anyone even supports Meralco.

An electricity provider who charges exorbitant rates? Fuck off.

[Giannis34GOD]

I wonder if anyone even supports Meralco.

An electricity provider who charges exorbitant rates? Fuck off.

Forget about that issue in electricity bills.. that is separate issue.. this is sports topic and majority of PBA fans wants Meralco to win the series… Pinoy loves underdogs… They will gain some fans if they win this series vs SMB… PBA fans tired seeing SMB, Ginebra or even TNT always winning in the PBA…