Gilas Pilipinas to utilize inside game anchored on Fajardo and Blatche in SEABA Championship
THE dribble-drive offense is in the DNA of Chot Reyes, the comebacking Gilas Pilipinas coach, who will call the shots anew for the national team beginning its first major international tournament — the SEABA Championship.
But in the upcoming qualifying tournament for the FIBA Asia Cup, Mr. Reyes and the Gilas Pilipinas coaching staff might utilize its inside game more often with June Mar Fajardo and naturalized player Andray Blatche in the roster.
Josh Reyes, the son of Chot who is part of the Gilas coaching staff, told
Business World in an interview that the national team may veer away from the dribble-drive offense at times and allow the 6-foot-10 Fajardo and the 6-foot-11 Blatche to operate inside.
“If it’s the SEABA level, probably we can use June Mar to post up, but during the FIBA Asia Cup or if we make it to the home and away format, then we will have to use the dribble-drive more,” the younger Reyes said.
Jong Uichico, a multi-titled PBA coach who is also a member of the Gilas coaching staff, shared the same views with Mr. Reyes.
“Of course, when you have June Mar you have to take advantage of his size and his ability to play inside, so you have to set him up inside,” Mr. Uichico said. The SEABA Championship is a mustwin tournament for Gilas Pilipinas as a victory would qualify the Philippines to the FIBA Asia Cup. The FIBA Asia Cup will determine the teams going to play in the home and away format, a six-window event leading to the 2019 World Cup.
Mr. Fajardo started playing for Gilas Pilipinas as a budding young big man in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship. But since then, the pride of Cebu became the PBA’s most dominant force, winning the Most Valuable Player awards in three consecutive years.
Now at the peak of his career, Mr. Fajardo will play a big role for the national team this time around.
Mr. Fajardo is now embracing his new role as one of the senior elder statesmen in the team, although he’s only 27 years old.
“I’m now one of the big brothers here. I’m not used to it,” he added. “But I will do everything to help out, particularly the younger players.”
Mr. Fajardo believes teaming up with Mr. Blatche will be more beneficial for the national team.
“The good thing about playing alongside Andray is it will allow him to play outside. He’s versatile and can play the power forward spot,” said Mr. Fajardo. “It’s good for Gilas.”