Scouting Report: The Philippines

Enzo Flojo

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Get to know more about the Philippine team participating in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships.
Moniker: Gilas Pilipinas Qualification: Awarded hosting rights by FIBA Asia because the security situation in Lebanon (the original choice for hosting) was too unstable. Last FIBA Asia Appearance: 2011 – 6 wins & 3 losses – Beat UAE, Bahrain, Japan, and Syria, but lost to China and South Korea. Gilas also played Jordan twice, winning their second round encounter, but losing in the semifinals. Roster: Name, Age, Height, Position Marcus Douthit, 31, 6’11″, Center Japeth Aguilar, 26, 6’9″, Forward/Center Gabe Norwood, 28, 6’5″, Forward/Guard Jeff Chan, 30, 6’4″, Guard/Forward Jayson Castro, 27, 5’10″, Guard June Mar Fajardo, 24, 6’10″, Center Ranidel De Ocampo, 32, 6’5″, Forward Larry Fonacier, 31, 6’4″, Guard/Forward Gary David, 35, 6’2″, Guard LA Tenorio, 29, 5’10″, Guard Marc Pingris, 32, 6’5″, Forward/Center Jimmy Alapag, 36, 5’10″, Guard Key Players: 1. Marcus Douthit – Douthit was one of the best players in the previous FIBA Asia, averaging 21.9ppg, 12.2rpg, and 1.7bpg while shooting 56% from the field. He probably won’t have to score as much this time around with the best of the PBA behind him, but how he plays will still be the biggest factor in determining how far Gilas will go. 2. LA Tenorio – A year ago, Tenorio was the captain of Gilas, leading them to the Jones Cup title and then a top 4 finish in the FIBA Asia Cup. With veteran campaigner Jimmy Alapag and FIBA newbie Jayson Castro in tow, how will “The Lieutenant” respond? Despite my belief that Tenorio will probably come off the bench, I still think his playmaking will be critical in the Pinoys’ quest for glory. 3. Jimmy Alapag – I have to admit that I was surprised Jimmy got the nod for the twelfth spot in the Gilas roster. I was hoping they would pick Greg Slaughter as an insurance big and for valuable experience, but nobody can really fault the Gilas staff for choosing someone as great as Jimmy. Like LA he will probably play off the bench, but my guess is his true value lies more in his leadership and experience. He can shoot the lights out, of course, but when the going gets tough, Jimmy should be the anchor that steadies the Gilas ship. Points of Interest: 1. Our time? – Many things seem to have gone the Filipinos’ way running up to FIBA Asia 2013. Manila becoming the host, many PBA players being released to the Gilas program, and recent FIBA Asia developments (the absence of Lebanon and the depletion of Jordan most notably) have all pointed to the seemingly divine possibility that this tournament will be extra special. I hope all the good things continue to come together. 2. No Jones Cup – Because of the Taipei-Manila row over disputed waters and the consequent loss of life, Gilas was un-invited from the 2013 Jones Cup. This meant the team’s preparation got derailed in a major way, but the flipside was opposing teams couldn’t really scout our boys as closely as they would have wanted. Whether getting the snub will be, ultimately, a good thing or a bad thing can only be determined when the whole tournament closes on August 11. Tournament Outlook: The last time coach Chot Reyes piloted the Philippine NT, they finished outside of the top 8. He didn’t have the luck of the draw back then as they were bracketed with Jordan, Iran, and China. This time around, there is hardly any reason for Gilas not to live up to its potential. Playing at home should give him and his wards a distinct advantage, despite the accompanying pressure to win. In the end, I believe in this team and what it can accomplish. I believe in what these payers represent, and that they can shock the world. I believe in Gilas. – Rappler.com

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