Gilas guards and Greg
THE previous column featured a Philippine Basketball Assciation ( PBA)- free frontline for Gilas. Recent developments have shown videos of Greg Slaughter, whose game ranged from “Gregzilla” to Barney, and with harsh criticism, ended up without a contract in the PBA.
There were reports of a standoff. Apparently, Slaughter did not want to be traded from the Barangay ( apparently, everyone wants to play for Ginebra) and also demanded a max contract. The exact terms were never really divulged, but in the end, Slaughter does not have a team and based on his statements, is not interested in playing for a different PBA team.
As we mentioned, Slaughter is not a family man, and he is a Fil- American. He has options so he can afford to sit out, not like Calvin Abueva. He is training for a possible G-League attempt, but we must remember that seven-footers’ stock has drastically dropped in America. Scouts will still look for athleticism and skill from sevenfooters. Slaughter does not have the first, and at 32 years old, there is a narrow window for improvement.
Slaughter could definitely be a serviceable big man for other teams. There would even be rival teams that would pay him the max, but Greg declared that he is shooting for a spot at Gilas.
Depending on how he improves in the next couple of years, he could be a mentor for the frontline we mentioned, the oldest of which would be Ange Kouame at 23 years old ( in 2023).
If Kouame is not declared as a local, then Slaughter could replace him, since the naturalized spot for the World Cup should be reserved for someone like Jordan Clarkson, or NBA- level talent. Greg has patiently waited for a favorable decision on his appeal and can now play as a local.
This is likely to be Greg’s last chance to represent the country, with his age and new generations of big men on the pipeline. Based on the videos, he is putting in the effort.
Gilas wings and guards
Last time, we mentioned three possible guards for Gilas: Thirdy Ravena, Juan Gomez de Liano and Dalph Panopio. Factors to consider are how their games would translate to international play ( World Cup, level) and whether they may be locked up in the PBA. The three aforementioned guards are either in the international stage or have their sights set on it.
Justine Baltazar seems like a perfect wing fit in terms of height and mobility, but he is most likely PBA bound since he is from DLSU. Same case for Kobe Paras. Better bets would be the versatile Will Navarro and Dwight Ramos of Ateneo.
We could also look at the current juniors since they would be 19- 22 years old in 2023. Francis “Lebron” Lopez of Ateneo could join
Kai and Sage with EWP and gain valuable exposure to international big men. On the radar for wings: Cholo Anonuevo of FEU, Aldous Torculas of UPIS.
Never forget the boys from the special draft, Rey Suerte, Allyn Bulanadi and the Nieto twins. UAAP rising star Rhenz Abando and Calvin Oftana of San Beda are solid options, and they can carve a path towards Gilas. Dave Ildefonso has also transferred to Ateneo, specifically with Gilas in mind.
Who should be our prime point guard? Most of them are undersized, and this is why I would propose to keep our naturalization option for this position: Jordan Clarkson or Remy Martin should fill that spot. In today’s basketball landscape, the point guards play very big roles. They are also taller and more athletic.
We would need a Clarkson/ Martin caliber lead guard with 1GDL backing up. If Tuffin’s NBL exposure yields maximum exposure, he could be included since he is a playmaker there. It will improve his handle, decisionmaking and shooting ( he was a forward in FEU).
PBA Connection
If fences are mended between PBA and the Gilas program, there is a possibility that players like CJ Perez, Robert Bolick, Ray Parks, and Kiefer Ravena could lend their veteran presence. Again, that is a big “IF.” The next Gilas fantasy roster list could be very different, as we could have more discoveries and developments.