Gilas pool members
Later this week the members of the latest iteration of the Gilas Pilipinas pool will be announced by governing body Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and its partner Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). As per the agreement of the two groups, the composition of the national team pool will have the 12 cadet players now seeing action in the local pro league to be joined by 12 more players from the PBA — one each from the competing teams — and a naturalized player.
The cadets now in the PBA after a special draft was conducted for them are Mac Belo of Blackwater Elite, Matthew Wright of the Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters, Jio Jalalon of the Star Hotshots, Kevin Ferrer of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, Von Pessumal of the GlobalPort Batang Pier, Ed Daquioag of the Meralco Bolts, Mike Tolomia of the Rain or Shine Elastopainters, Carl Bryan Cruz of the Alaska Aces, Russell Escoto of the Mahindra Floodbuster, Roger Pogoy of the TNT KaTropa, Arnold Van Opstal of the San Miguel Beermen and Fonzo Gotladera of the NLEX Road Warriors.
Andray Blatche was Gilas’ previous naturalized player but as of now team proponents are said to be still evaluating their options.
This channels much attention to who the other 12 players will be, a complicated question for the number of qualified players to choose from.
Making the selection process all the more difficult is the possibility of “shoo-ins,” with the likes of June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel), Terrence Romeo (GlobalPort), Calvin Abueva (Alaska), Japeth Aguilar (Barangay Ginebra) and Jayson Castro (TNT) getting slots.
Following the selection tack of the SBP and PBA, it is down to the seven remaining teams. From Rain or Shine, a number of selection can be drawn from depending on the direction of the national team is going. You have Gabe Norwood and Jeff Chan who have proven themselves as valuable members of Gilas in the past but age may be an issue for them. There is also big man Raymond Almazan who has the potential to be a two-way player for the team.
Meralco offers a talented player in Jonathan Grey who is having a solid first year so far for the Bolts as an explosive scorer much like in the mold of Chan. Chris Newsome is also an option.
Blackwater has Arthur Dela Cruz who is a do-it-all and scrappy player as well as big man JP Erram.
For NLEX, worth looking at are Sean Anthony, Glenn Khobuntin and Bradwyn Guinto, no-nonsense players who are willing to mix it up for the team.
Star has Paul Lee, who made quite an impression as a member of Gilas and is clutch, as well as Ian Sangalang. Of course, veteran Marc Pingris is always there and I am sure if called up he will be there in a heartbeat.
Mahindra could offer Alex Mallari as a combo guard or Joseph Eriobu for added muscle and youth.
And Phoenix has the athletic JC Intal, who has had Gilas experience as well.
Others this space feel should be considered, although I do not know how with the one-per-team selection process, are Marcio Lassiter (San Miguel) for his outside shooting, seven-foot center Greg Slaughter (Barangay Ginebra) and athletic forward Troy Rosario (TNT).
But regardless of the direction that comebacking national coach Chot Reyes and his group go as far as the pool, here is hoping for their success. I believe every player being considered for a spot is willing to go all out and it is just a matter of coming up with team that would click and deliver.
The national team pool members will be announced on Jan. 22 in between PBA games at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
First test for the new Gilas Pilipinas comes in April at the SEABA Championship.