Pinch hitters
World basketball governing body FIBA finally released its decision over the brawl that happened between the Philippines and Australia on July 2 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan in the third window of the first round of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
And as expected, the Philippines bore the brunt of the sanctions handed down by the FIBA Disciplinary Panel, with 10 players and two coaches suspended for the qualifiers with varying durations as well as the country’s basketball federation, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, being made to pay a hefty fine of some P13.4 million over what had transpired.
Suspended for their involvement in the melee with the Australian Boomers were Gilas Pilipinas players Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright (one game each); Terence Romeo, Jayson Castro William, Andray Blatche and Troy Rosario (three games each); Roger Pogoy, Carl Bryan Cruz and Jio Jalalon (five games each); and Calvin Abueva (six games).
Gilas assistant coach Jong Uichico was also suspended for three games for unsportsmanlike behavior as well as head coach Chot Reyes for one game and asked to pay a disciplinary fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (P534,900) for “inciting unsportsmanlike behavior.”
Said Gilas personnel, save for Abueva, are expected to miss parts of the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers which begins in September with the first window.
Out for six games, Abueva can only take the floor for Gilas if it is fortunate enough to advance to the World Cup proper in China next year.
With majority of the national men’s basketball team suspended, the Gilas think tank is now in the process on going through possible names to replace those suspended for the Qualifiers.
Since majority of Gilas players were culled from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), it is safe to say the “pinchhitters” will come from the league as well.
In fact, scheduled to be part of the weekly meeting of the PBA Board on Thursday is discussing the possible replacements and how the parties will go about it.
As we await the names of the official replacements for Gilas Pilipinas players, this space would like to throw in some possible names it feels worthy to be considered for the pinch-hitting job.
First off, June Mar Fajardo, Gabe Norwood and Baser Amer, players who were part of the July 2 game, were not suspended, controlling their emotions notwithstanding how heated things were.
I bat for their retention in the team, not only for taking the high road but also because they carry a game that would help Gilas’ cause in the key stretch of the Qualifiers.
Given the ever “limited” time to prepare, with PBA players’ busy schedule, it would make sense for Gilas to get players who already have experience with the current team and know the culture in it.
Players like Raymond Almazan, LA Tenorio, Christian Standhardinger (naturalized player), Paul Lee, Kevin Ferrer and Ray Parks, Jr. fit the billing.
Almazan, Standhardinger, Ferrer and Parks are mobile big men and wings who can be assets on both ends of the court. Tenorio and Lee proved themselves clutch and heady floor generals during their stint with the national team and could only be expected to continue to do so when called up anew.
Add to the list to be considered JP Erram, Greg Slaughter, Ian Sangalang, Marcio Lassiter, Vic Manuel and Scottie Thompson.
Erram and Sangalang are also mobile bigs that have big man mentality, not afraid to play it out in the paint, who should help in Gilas keeping in step with the frontliners of Iran, Qatar and Kazakhstan in the second round.
Slaughter does not have the speed of the other Gilas bigs but he is seven-foot and has improved his game. I think it is about time we should explore what he can give to the national team now that he is healthy and this is a great opportunity to do so.
Lassiter’s quick draw mentality would be of help sans the resident shooters of Gilas while Thompson is all-around and all-heart every time he takes the floor.
Manuel is a bit undersized at the four position, yes, but he is playing his best basketball right now in the PBA and it would be good to have him on board while he is hot.
Losing the players we did to suspension was a huge blow indeed to our cause in the World Cup Qualifiers. But I believe all is not lost and that there is still talent to be culled in our backyard to make things happen for us. Here is hoping that all concerned get to sit down and go through their list thoroughly and come up with the best team possible. Laban Pilipinas!