Baldwin sees Gilas ruling Rio qualifier
Gilas Pilipinas will come out not just to compete, but to win games and the world qualifier next year – an Olympic berth.
“We shouldn’t be in it just to compete. To make the mark in the world, you do that by winning, not by competing,” said Gilas coach Tab Baldwin on the sideline of PBA Season 41 opening rites at the MOA Arena in Pasay City last night.
Baldwin feels Gilas has proven to the world that Team Phl can compete with the best in the last FIBA World Cup in Spain last year.
“We’re competitive in Spain. That’s the testament to what we can achieve, to what we can aspire. We can no longer settle for that. We’ve got to win,” said Baldwin.
“We want to achieve. We want to succeed. We want the gold. We have no other alternative,” Baldwin also said.
He feels it’s imperative for them to perform and deliver with all the support Team Phl has got now, especially the one from the PBA paving the way for the formation of a new Gilas pool.
The PBA players released in the pool are Junmar Fajardo, Marcio Lassiter, Japeth Aguilar, LA Tenorio, Jeff Chan, Paul Lee, Calvin Abueva, Gabe Norwood, Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Marc Pingris, Terrence Romeo, Greg Slaughter, Ryan Reyes, Troy Rosario and Ian Sanggalang.
“It looks like everybody’s supporting the national team program, and we can’t ask for anything more than that. We appreciate that support, and we’re gonna honor that by working hard and doing the best we can,” he said.
“It’s a great sign for Philippine basketball, for the fans. It looks like we’re able to tap quality talents that we have in the country, and I think it’s a great motivator for all the players in the Philippines,” he added
Baldwin said it would help a lot if the country would be awarded hosting rights for one of the three qualifiers.
Three wildcard plays, featuring six teams each, will be held simultaneously on July 5-11 next year. The top teams from the three tourneys earn a place in the Rio Olympics.
“If it’s here, it’s a leg up a bit of an advantage,” he said. “Certainly, not the deciding factor, but I believe it will help. We have to capitalize every single opportunity.”
He feels the Philippines has a good chance of becoming a host country.
“I’m optimistic we’re gonna get the hosting. Six countries are bidding to host, only one from Asia, one from America and all the others from Europe. I can’t see them putting two qualifiers in Europe,” Baldwin said.
“I could be wrong, but that really bodes well for the possibility of us getting the hosting,” Baldwin added.
Baldwin said Andray Blatche would be in the pool. Up in the air is the inclusion of Fil-Am NBA player Jordan Clarkson.