2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament

[ccharmed]

I liked the horror in the face of the georgian coach when he realized his team was being played. He saw that gilas was not interested in beating his team as, with an injured main center, brazil -- which has plenty of forwards but not big centers -- is the logical target of our nt coach.

He cried of course. His georgian team was the useful tool for our nt semifinal and final preferences. Nothing more.

Against brazil, playing through the pain for at least 20 minutes is still needed from the injured kai. The high quality of the brazilian nt is obvious in the masterful control of their managed loss to cameroon by targeted points. That was impressive. Only a lion with a jaw grip on a deer's throat, with the luxury of postponing the fatal strangulation moment, could have done better.

If our nt wins, an even more demanding 30+ minutes from kai will be required against latvia in its home court.

Kai definitely needs hot/cold treatment plus body armor, as already suggested by another poster. Our team will not prosper again if it does not at least carry two extra strong and talented power forward and center next time against euro and latam teams.

[TheRodster21]

I liked the horror in the face of the georgian coach when he realized his team was being played. He saw that gilas was not interested in beating his team as, with an injured main center, brazil -- which has plenty of forwards but not big centers -- is the logical target of our nt coach.

He cried of course

Still, playing through the pain for at least 20 minutes is needed from the injured kai. If our nt wins, an even more demanding 30+ minutes will be required against latvia in its home court.

Kai definitely needs hot/cold treatment plus body armor, as already suggested by another poster. Our team will not proper again if it does not at least carry two extra strong and talented power forward and center next time against euro and latam teams.

We definitely need Kai from the first game, I’ve never seen him get up from the floor as fast as he did and rotate defensively.

[paliganibossalfrancis]

Gui Santos stands around 6'7-6'8 and plays forward while Yago Dos Santos is a 5'10 point guard.

Yago Santos is the type of point guard Gilas used to have

while Gui Santos is the type of wing we wish we could have. He's what we wish Carl, KQ and Jamie would turn out to be.

[Metta]

Whew, good job advancing Gilas.

Our surprise factor was gone and main guys were exhausted. We did not have the advantage with bigs like against Latvia, and Georgia did a good job of exploiting it.

But once again, Manilacone, Justin Noypi and total team effort comes up in the clutch. I was afraid Georgia was going to use zone on us, it turns out we were the ones who will use it. It took away Georgia's rhythm and enabled our guys to play another type of defense which was not unsustainable because of fatigue.

Bench help which we anticipated will be crucial, also came through. During times where JB looked exhausted, Dwight then Tamayo then Perez did mini-runs of their own. Total team effort and guys stepping up which are Coach Cone specialties.

We're finally forming a team identity that can work at these higher levels. With additional pieces and more experience against higher level teams, I like our direction.

I think we need to retire the Puso mantra. For me, even if it's already used by Ginebra, I like what Barangay means...

One journey, one people, one boat...Barangay Gilas Pilipinas.

[BJ_Reloaded]

despite the lost and the usual moral victory storyline

it shows that our Gilas team are still glassy in the 4 and 5 spots.

we've already discussing that thing before since the time of adam

and it really shows on this on-going OQT tourney.

it's a good thing about last night's game is that young guys like Calvin, KQ and Carl had the opportunity to be expose on such high level.

they badly needed that.

[OverratedTabBaldwin]

It seems the competition in international basketball are getting more competitive.. This might be the 1st time Asian teams make it to the next round since 2000 (?)… not just one but two Asians make it… I’m happy for Asian basketball… we are not whipping boys anymore in world basketball… hoping for success of both Gilas and Lebanon… it will be benefit for future success of Asian basketball…

Asian teams such as Lebanon, Philippines, and Japan have been balling lately. Gilas' win against Latvia is the breakthrough that we've been looking for to be finally recognized as a world-class basketball nation.

[CoJ]

Whew, good job advancing Gilas.

Our surprise factor was gone and main guys were exhausted. We did not have the advantage with bigs like against Latvia, and Georgia did a good job of exploiting it.

But once again, Manilacone, Justin Noypi and total team effort comes up in the clutch. I was afraid Georgia was going to use zone on us, it turns out we were the ones who will use it. It took away Georgia's rhythm and enabled our guys to play another type of defense which was not unsustainable because of fatigue.

Bench help which we anticipated will be crucial, also came through. During times where JB looked exhausted, Dwight then Tamayo then Perez did mini-runs of their own. Total team effort and guys stepping up which are Coach Cone specialties.

We're finally forming a team identity that can work at these higher levels. With additional pieces and more experience against higher level teams, I like our direction.

I think we need to retire the Puso mantra. For me, even if it's already used by Ginebra, I like what Barangay means...

One journey, one people, one boat...Barangay Gilas Pilipinas.

I thought puso was retired once CTC took ovet, i barely hear the team shout it during huddles?

[Rds]

I’m with the side that preferred Montenegro over Brazil. Shades of DR against Tabs Gilas still there. And in the WC athletic bigs running by or jumping through JMF. Well aside from JB one thing the WC team didnt have was Newsome. Newsome has been a pest on the guards. Isnt it coincidental that no guards killed us in the OQT or tuneups? Gone are the days Chot would drag Pogoys slow ass as a “defender” against quick guards. Newsome stopping drives at the perimeter and slipping through queues help our bigs a lot. The bigs can focus on their man.

But if Bitadze and Sheingelin gave JMF fits Im sure the Brazilian bigs will. Im interested in how Tim preps for this. In sure zone will be an option. But there should be more as Brazil would already be prepared. Also, this is a must win without a +18 advantage. I would be surprised if it will be still effective.

[CoJ]

INJURY UPDATE: Kai Sotto’s x-rays and scans are negative for a fracture according to Gilas Pilipinas team manager Richard del Rosario.
Sotto though still has soreness and is classified as a game time decision. | via Paolo del Rosario

[Joe Yabuki]

is this the greatest filipino team post PBA establishment? I know im gonna ruffle some feathers here but all these men achieved more than the Jaworskis, Fernandez, Caidics, once fabled players but is now probably surpassed by these guys in terms of international achievements.

[Metta]

I thought puso was retired once CTC took ovet, i barely hear the team shout it during huddles?

Yes, I meant to say officially retire. Puso for me is too emotional, exemplified by the basketbrawl.

Now, with this Barangay vibes that I get with the current team, everyone is just doing their job and helping each other to the best of their ability...that soundbite of an angry Cone..."just do your job!" resonates. Everyone trusting each other to do their part (with the triangle, on defense, with stepping up) just like in a Balangay boat and with a little touch of "never say die."

[Metta]

is this the greatest filipino team post PBA establishment? I know im gonna ruffle some feathers here but all these men achieved more than the Jaworskis, Fernandez, Caidics, once fabled players but is now probably surpassed by these guys in terms of international achievements.

Basketball now is more global (more competition) and players are bigger faster stronger. I remember when we would play against teams such as India whose shorts still had pockets. It was a totally different era. What past generation guys achieved are commendable in their own right.

But, beating a # 6 on their home floor in this era makes this team extra special.

[JAMSKIE]

I thought puso was retired once CTC took ovet, i barely hear the team shout it during huddles?

I'm thinking maybe "utak" is a better battlecry!!! A poster here have once proposed that. Parang Gilas needs more brains than heart.

Si Chot kasi puro drama kaya "puso" ang slogan ng Gilas during his term. Coach Tim on the other hand isn't big with drama & would rather work on game tactics & strategy so "utak" should be the right battlecry for the current Gilas team.

[reamily]

To add on the history books (like Sir JPM, Quinito will be doing), we tactically defeat Georgia(half of it on their own doing) but still recover from 0-16 start and a 20 point deficit to control the game in the end.

[sroth3839]

I'm thinking maybe "utak" is a better battlecry!!! A poster here have once proposed that. Parang Gilas needs more brains than heart.

Si Chot kasi puro drama kaya "puso" ang slogan ng Gilas during his term. Coach Tim on the other hand isn't big with drama & would rather work on game tactics & strategy so "utak" should be the right battlecry for the current Gilas team.

I thought puso was retired once CTC took ovet, i barely hear the team shout it during huddles?

Japeth (who is our captain) still says it during practice I think.

I agree. It should be retired.

Rather, it should be “Laban Pilipinas! Never Say Die!”.