Gilas Coach Hopes PBA Board Loans Williams

(From GMA News)

If Smart-Gilas coach Rajko Toroman will have his way, he would like to have former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) most valuable player (MVP) Kelly Williams joining his squad for the Guangzhou Asian Games.

"Yes, we want to include him (Williams) to the Asian Games, but it will depend also on the PBA," said Toroman in a text message sent to GMANews.TV.

Toroman, the man responsible for steering Iran to the FIBA Asia Championship crown in 2007 that enabled the country to earn an Olympic berth in Beijing, was vocal about Williams’ inclusion.

Perhaps, the first step towards Williams joining Smart-Gilas had already been achieved after Talk ‘N Text acquired him and Ryan Reyes in a three-team, nine-player trade.

Like Smart-Gilas, Talk ‘N Text is one among the few teams being bankrolled by businessman/sportsman Manny V. Pangilinan.

But Toroman still needs the PBA board’s approval in loaning Williams to the Gilas developmental squad, which is a non-PBA member.

Williams will definitely not be included in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup set to begin next week in Doha, Qatar.

Talented Filipino-American guard Chris Lutz, however, will join the team in Doha after the Marshall University standout arrived Tuesday from the United States. He is expected to take the place of Marcio Lassiter, who suffered a slight tear on his right knee.

"Maybe Lutz can replace him, but we will see," said Toroman.

Lutz, a 24-year-old combo guard, was the all-time leading scorer while playing for Trinity High School before going to the Thundering Herd. The 6-foot-3 Lutz averaged 8.7 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists while playing for the US NCAA Division I team.

He once worked out for the national developmental team and quickly impressed everyone, including Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes.

“I had the opportunity of seeing (Lutz) play here. Smart-Gilas was playing tune up games against us and I was impressed with his versatility. He can shoot, can slash and plays with a lot of energy," said Reyes.

Lutz will definitely be a welcome addition to the Gilas squad battered with injuries. Team captain Christ Tiu is playing with an injury along with Mark Baracael, JR Cawaling and guard JV Casio, who was named the best playmaker in a Dubai meet but is now rehabilitating from an ACL injury.

"Not so nice for the team right now because we have a lot of injuries," said Toroman. "We have a lot of work to do in the Champions Cup because all teams go to Doha to win."

Greg Slaughter was supposed to be more of a project player for the national team aspirants, but he had shown tremendous improvement under Toroman’s guidance.

"He’s getting better and better," said Toroman on the 6-foot-11 pride of University of Visayas, who will suit up for the Ateneo Eagles in next year’s UAAP wars.

Serbian import Milan Vucicevic, according to Toroman, had slowly got himself accustomed with the Philippines’ hot and humid conditions as well as with his teammates.

Vucicevic had various stints in basketball leagues in Cyprus, Oman, Ukraine, Greece and Poland. He is described by Toroman as a "good player, with a good attitude."

"If he could help enough the team, we’ll make a deal with him after Doha. It’s all up to him," said Toroman of the Serbian import.

Barrios To Consult Board On Kelly Trade

(From Manila Standard)

Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Sonny Barrios plans to call for a special board meeting when the impending trade of Sta. Lucia Realty superstar Kelly Williams to Talk N Text finally pushes through.

Barrios considers sensitive the case of the 6’4” high-flying forward, whose looming transfer to the Tropang Texters is designed to allow him from suiting up for the RP-Smart Gilas team.

Officials of both Sta. Lucia and Talk N Text admitted talks have been ongoing on how to make the deal work.

“Frankly, what I intend to do is to ask the (PBA Board) chairman to call for a special meeting rather than I making a decision on my own (regarding the trade),” said Barrios, who sat beside PBA chairman Lito Alvarez in the presidential table during yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue.

“But that would happen if and when a trade is made. Right now kasi, we’re all talking theoretically.”

Alvarez concurred with the PBA commissioner.

“Kapag dumating ‘yung request, the chairman would not hesitate to call a meeting to tackle the case,” said Alvarez, also team manager of Air21, in the session presented by Outlast Battery, Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation, Shakey’s and Accel.

RP-Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman has expressed his desire to get the services of Williams to reinforce the national team, specifically in its coming bid for the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.

PLDT and Smart Sports are bankrolling the campaign of the RP-Smart Gilas squad, whose top official, Manny V. Pangilinan, heads the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and is team owner of the Talk N Text squad.

Barrios urged both parties involved in the negotiations to seriously review the requirements specified in the Uniform Players Contract or UPC.

Under the UPC, players are contracted to play for only two teams, Barrios pointed out, namely, his mother ballclub and in national teams formed by the PBA.

“It’s not to say that it (trade) will be disallowed,” added the commissioner. “But what I want to propose to the board is for the PBA to adopt a long-standing policy, and not on a case-to-case basis, that will be responsive to the need of the national team.

Love of Money Bad for RP Basketball, Says Hoops Legend

(From Yahoo!)

A member of the Philippine basketball team which finished 3rd in the 1954 FIBA World Championship said it would take hard work and sheer love of the game for the Philippines to be truly successful again in the international basketball scene.

Antonio Genato, who played alongside other basketball greats like Carlos “The Big Difference” Loyzaga and Lauro Mumar in the 50’s, said the reason why they were successful during their heydays is that they never cared about the money.

“Nowadays, it’s not for the love of the sport, which we were that way. We were never paid during that time, we played for the love of the sport. Period,” said the 81-year-old legend, who was among those recently inducted to the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame.

Aside from Genato, Loyzaga and Mumar, the 1954 RP team was also composed of Ponciano Saldaña, Bayani Amador, Francisco Rabat, Rafael Barretto, Mariano Tolentino, Florentino Bautista Jr., Benjamin Francisco and Ramon Manulat. They were coached by Herminio Silva.

Genato cited as an example their close game against Uruguay in the 1954 World Championship. The RP team won, 67-63, for 3rd place.

“When we would have to play hard, tough and dirty, we would have to do it… Against Uruguay, it was matira matibay. That was the game we had against them. We had to do that to win that third place,” he said.

Genato said the present crop of players can improve by improving their skills in the basics of the game.

“The new system now I don’t think it works because there’s no skills involved anymore. It’s body against body, there’s no skills as far as I’m concerned,” he said.

His team’s losses in the World Championship quarterfinals came at the hands of the US team, which went on to win the championship, and eventual 2nd-placer Brazil.

Genato said he would be interested to see the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas squad in action once they return from their training abroad.

“I told him (Coach Rajko Toroman) that when they come back from their trip, I wanna watch them and I’ll give my two cents worth,” he said.

Hall of Fame Cagers Share Thoughts on Olympic-Seeking RP Five

(From GMA News)

Three of the fabled members of the 1954 Philippine men’s basketball team that finished third in the World Basketball Championship in Rio de Janeiro had shared their thoughts on the Smart-Gilas squad vying for an Olympic basketball spot.

Together, they gave mixed reactions on the well-funded, well-traveled team handled by FIBA Asia Champion coach Rajko Toroman. The Smart Gilas Philippine team is embarking on a three-year program with the ultimate goal of returning to the Olympics two years from now in London.

“I have my doubts," said Antonio Genato, when asked if the country’s top amateur cagers have a good chance of earning a spot in the Olympics.

The last time the country made it to the Olympic basketball scene was during the 1972 Munich Olympics when the team was handled by Ning Ramos and bannered by Bogs Adornado, Danny Florencio, Adriano Papa, Tembong Melencio, Ed Ocampo and Manny Paner among others.

Genato played point guard for the 1954 RP squad that include Carlos Loyzaga and Lauro Mumar as among the more notable players.

Genato said that he had talked with Toroman about the Smart-Gilas team.

“He believes that we have a good chance. I haven’t seen them play but I promised him that I’m going to visit once they return to Manila and tell to him what I think," said Genato.

Genato mentioned one glaring difference about today’s players from the cagers of yesteryears.

“Today’s players lack the basics as compared to when we played," said Genato.

Napoleon Flores, another member of that storied squad, believes otherwise.

“They just have to work hard. We’re a small team. They just have to try hard for the country, but I have high hopes for them that they can make it," said Flores.

Flores added that it was indeed an honor to play for the country so it’s their responsibility to be prepared.

“Some of the players today are not disciplined. Before, we don’t smoke and we take care of our bodies because we know we’re in for a tough grind when competition comes," said Flores.

The 1954 RP team was honored as one of the inductees in the first class of the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame joining the likes of Loyzaga, professional boxers Gabriel “Flash" Elorde, Pancho Villa and Ceferino Garcia, amateur boxers Jose “Cely" Villanueva and his son Anthony Villanueva, tracksters Miguel White and Simeon Toribio and swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso.

Aside from Loyzaga, Mumar and Genato, also included in that team were Bayani Amador, Rafael Barretto, Florentino Bautista Jr., Benjamin Francisco, Ramon Manulat, Mariano Tolentino, Francisco Rabat and Ponciano Saldaña. Herminio Silva was the coach.

The team defeated Paraguay and lost to Brazil in the preliminaries in Group A but it was enough for the squad to advance to the quarterfinal round.

In the next round, the RP cagers beat Israel, Canada, France, Uruguay and Formosa (now Chinese-Taipei) to take the bronze medal. Their losses in the quarterfinal round came from eventual champion United States and silver winner Brazil.

Flores said that he was nervous about receiving the award as he was joined by Bautista, Genato and Barredo and relatives of his teammates in receiving the plum from Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Harry Angping, Chief Justice Renato Puno and Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) president Teddyvic Melendres of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“I really didn’t expect this award. It was also the first time I saw my teammates again," said Flores.

Two years after the bronze-medal win, Genato would once again play for the country, this time in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, where he competed against the United States team composed of Bill Russell and KC Jones among others.

Russell and Jones eventually became the stars for the Boston Celtics, who established a dynasty in the National Basketball Association, winning 10 championships in a span of 11 seasons.

“When we played against the United States, coach Leo (Prieto) put our second five in our starting line-up because there was no way we can beat the United States," said Genato.

The Philippines lost, 121-53, in that game but went on to finish seventh in that Olympiad.

Philippine National Basketball Team to play with ABA - Hopes to make it to the 2012 Olympics

(From Asian Journal)

The Philippine National Basketball Team is coming to town.

For the first time in Philippine basketball history, a Philippine national basketball squad will play a series of games against teams from the Associated Basketball Association (ABA) professional basketball league in Southern California.

The Smart-Gilas National team will play against the ABA’s San Diego Surf on April 25, Los Angeles Slam on April 26 and Riverside Rainmakers on April 27.

"The Smart-Gilas team’s debut in the American Basketball Association (ABA) league is a historic one," said Paul Monozca, Vice-Chairman of ABA Global. "The country has been dreaming of playing pro basketball in the United States, same as teams from all over the world. Today, the dream has now become a reality. ABA Global is here."

The Smart-Gilas team is headed by coach Rajko Toroman and fields a team that includes PBA number 1 draft pick 6’9" Japeth Aguilar, 7’0" Greg Slaughter and guard Chris Tiu.

The Philippine team is the 2nd team to play in the ABA after China’s Beijing Aoshen team.

The Smart Gilas team will face formidable opponents in The San Diego Surf whose line-up includes seven footers Guy Paselany and Cameron Koford and scoring champion Terry Menefee, as well as seasoned veteran players who have played professional basketball in Europe and China.

The Los Angeles Slam are the current 2009-2010 ABA champions led by 6’5" star "The Game," streetball And1 legend Larry "Bone Collector" Williams and ex-NBA players Jeff Trepagnier and Tony Farmer. And the Riverside Rainmakers is a leading California division team.

Although next week’s games are glorified exhibits or "Friendship Games," it gives Pinoy basketball fans a chance to see a team that has high hopes of making it to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The last time the Philippines National Basketball team qualified for the Olympics was in 1972 in Germany.

Step up in competition

The Smart-Gilas National Team will also step up its competition permanently when it makes its official entry in the ABA next year. The Philippine team will be adopted by Daly City, California for next years pro games and there will also be a Filipino player in a roster of several ABA teams, according to Monozca.

Having the Smart-Gilas National Team train and play in the US is a smart move, said Donald Sanchez, Southern California chairman for the ABA and the general manager and owner of the LA Slams.

The Smart-Gilas team has played in a series of international events from Indonesia to Dubai recently but if the Philippines plan to qualify for the 2012 Olympics, they need to face tough competition on a regular basis and the ABA has some of the best basketball players around, said Sanchez.

"I know the Philippine team recently won a bronze medal in a recent international competition and placed fifth in another," said Sanchez. "But I think this is a good measuring tests for us and them. The ABA wants to show that we have some of the best and strongest teams in the nation and if the Philippines wants to make it to the 2012 Olympics this is a big step for them and this is the road they have to take."

Basketball is arguably the No. 1 or No. 2 sport followed by Filipinos around the world. Only boxing surpasses its popularity.

Having the Philippine National team qualify for the Olympics would not only bring pride to the basketball-crazed island but also signifies a rebound to a once proud basketball team.

Historically, the Philippines once dominated Asia with the national basketball team consistently qualifying for the Olympics from 1948 to 1972. But after 1972, other Asian countries like China, Japan and Korea had caught up. In 2007, the team was filled with PBA all-stars and trained at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Ca. by playing Division 1 teams Cal State University, Fullerton and Cal State University Long Beach. However, the team failed to make it pass the FIBA Asia Men’s Championship tournament.

Playing in the ABA would give the Philippine national team members a step up in competition.

ABA expansion

Sanchez said playing against the Philippines symbolizes more than the US against the Philippines.

"This is the US against the world," he said. "This is an open invitation to show the world what the ABA is all about."

He said the inclusion of the Philippines into the league is part of the league’s global program. He said up to as many as 20 international teams - Japan, Korea, China, Australia, and Europe - would join the league in the next few years.

Gilas Not Keen On Playing All-Filipino

(From Business Mirror)

Smart Gilas team manager Frankie Lim said the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will do its best to find a reinforcement for the team in the coming International Basketball Federation (Fiba)-Asia Champions Cup.

As the federation’s woes continue in its hunt for a naturalized player, Lim told the BusinessMirror  on Monday that they will make sure that Smart Gilas can compete with the rest of the field in the annual international cagefest in Qatar.

“Pipilitin natin makakuha ng player [import] para makasama natin doon [Qatar],” said Lim when asked of the possibility that Smart Gilas may play All-Filipino in the Champions Cup.

The former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) guard added that they are still negotiating with the handler of seven-foot center Michael Fey.

Lim said Fey’s decision could be known this week.

“Hopefully, we could get an answer from them tomorrow [today],” he said.

Fey, who will turn 27 on May 29 and played college basketball in University of California in Los Angeles, is the team’s latest prospect after negotiations with others bogged down.

Before training its sights on Fey, Serbian mentor Rajko Toroman said the team was close to signing in six-foot-nine Jared Homan but the EuroLeague campaigner accepted a better offer from the Bulgarian national team.

Just recently, Smart Gilas was also about to ink a contract with six-foot-11 center Dwayne Jones but he was signed by the Phoenix Suns for the rest of the season in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

This left a big question mark on the team’s campaign in the Fiba-Asia Champions Cup with less than a month left before the 10-club tournament opens on May 12.

Now, Smart Gilas is focusing on Fey, who played for the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the National Basketball Association Developmental League.

Last year, with CJ Giles as reinforcement, the team finished fifth in the same tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Giles was eventually dropped and the team tried out Jamal Sampson, who did not last long because of an injury.

Slaughter Now A Dominant Center

(From Philstar, by Joaquin Henson)

Smart-Gilas national basketball team coach Rajko Toroman said the other day Greg Slaughter is maturing to become a dominant force at the slot and the 6-11 Fil-Am center has improved dramatically since joining the elite squad.

Slaughter, 21, is redshirting at Ateneo this year to be eligible for the UAAP next season but his priority will remain Gilas. He previously saw action for the University of Visayas. His American father William is 6-3 and his Filipina mother Emma Fuentes, 5-7. Born in the US, Slaughter has lived the last few years in his mother’s home province of Cebu.

 “Greg went up against seven-foot players in our recent Serbia games and held his own,” said Toroman. “He’s ready for the PBA right now. He’s developed post-up moves and in the UAAP, I think he’ll dominate. He’s gaining confidence by the game. Marcio (Lassiter) and Jayvee (Casio) were our best players in Serbia. Jayvee, however, hurt his knee and we’re still not sure how bad is the injury. He’s due for another MRI and we’ll find out the extent of the damage. Marcio eventually wants to play in the PBA and right now, he’s under contract with us. He’s adjusted very well to our system. He’s much closer to his teammates now. Marcio is a tough defender and reliable scorer who can play two or three.”

As for Japeth Aguilar, Toroman said he’s still working to get in shape, mentally and physically. “He had one great game in Australia that showed his potential,” said Toroman. “We expect much more from Japeth. Because he didn’t play much in college, he needs more exposure to improve his decision-making on the court. As he gains confidence, we’ll see him improve.”

Every player in the squad has raised his level of play, continued Toroman, singling out Chris Tiu, Mac Baracael, Dylan Ababou, J. R. Cawaling, Mark Barroca and Jason Ballesteros. Center Rabeh Al-Hussaini missed the recent Australian and Serbian tours to recover from surgery to remove bone spurs in his left foot. If Al-Hussaini is ready to play, Toroman will bring him along for the coming US and Canada series.

Toroman said he’s not waiting for Cebu’s 6-10 Junmar Fajardo and UE’s Paul Lee to join Gilas. “We’ve been inviting Fajardo for two years but his school won’t allow him,” he said. “We haven’t progressed in negotiating to recruit him. As for Paul, it’s too late for him to join. His focus is on the UAAP, PBL and later the PBA.”

Toroman said convincing an import to sign up is proving more difficult than expected.

 “We were close to bringing in Dwayne Jones but he was taken by the Phoenix Suns,” said Toroman. “It’s too bad because he just sits on the bench in the NBA. We were also interested in Earl Barron but he went to the New York Knicks and he’s doing very well. Brian Butch was picked up by Denver. The big guys are thinking NBA not about playing overseas so it’s been difficult convincing the top talents to consider us.”

Toroman said 6-10 center Jared Homan of Iowa State – the same school that produced Lebanese import Jackson Vroman – is now the top naturalization candidate to play for Gilas.

Toroman said from what he knows, FIBA-Asia has still to decide which city will host the 2011 Olympic qualifiers. Manila has expressed the intention to bid but Iran, Jordan and Lebanon are expected to provide stiff competition.

 “We were more competitive in Serbia this year even if we won only once compared to two games last year,” said Toroman. “It was a good experience for us. There was only one game where we were blown out and it was against a team with three Serbian national players, one Slovenia national player, an American import and several national junior players, including the MVP of the under-20 selection. With more size and experience, we could’ve won more games.”

The First Test For The Gilas Crew

(From Business Mirror)

“PATCH me up, coach. I can play.”

CJ Giles was stretched out on the floor beside one of the entrances to the Britama Arena in Jakarta. The American hurt his knee while challenging a shot by Al Riyadi Lebanon import Nate Johnson and had to be carried out by team trainer Jim Saret and Smart Gilas Pilipinas captain Chris Tiu.

The Philippines led, 56-44, when Giles went out. “Hold ‘em off for two minutes, fellas. I’ll be back.”

The game was important, for both Gilas and Al Riyadi lost their previous matches and totted a 1-1 slate. If they wanted to keep pace with bracket leader Mahram Iran in the Fiba- Asia Champions Cup, they needed the win.

Saret examined Giles and said: “I need to know exactly how you’re feeling. The last thing I want is to send you back there and aggravate your injury.”

At that point, no one was certain the American was going to check back into the game. In the meantime, as the Nationals’ lead was slowly being eaten away, a crowd of coaches and trainers from four other countries gathered around Saret, who rigged a brace to secure Giles’s knee using tape and leukoplast. It was strong enough to keep the American’s knee in place so it wouldn’t give out from under him. The import, a candidate for naturalization, got up, tested it (and it felt good), then made his way to the Philippines’ bench.

“What did you do?” asked one visibly impressed trainer from Iran as if a miracle had been enacted in front of them. “Where did you learn how to do that?”

It was but one accolade in two weeks’ full of them.

Giles came back and it galvanized the team to an improbable 91-86 victory. Mark Barroca was the most sensational player in the tournament. Gilas’s indomitable fighting spirit had the hometown Indonesians and other teams rooting for them—a scene that was to be repeated in Dubai eight months later. And then there was Saret, the former tennis star who became a strength and conditioning coach after a decade at Brigham Young University.

He spent several years working with Philippine Basketball Association teams, then decided to work with other sports. “I was burned out with basketball,” he said. “I needed a change of pace.”

Yet, ironically, he filled in one day during a practice of Gilas and made a huge impression on head coach Rajko Toroman. “Others do things by the book. Jim gives what the players and the team need.”

Putting together a team that is built solely for international competition needs a paradigm shift.

First, there’s the system that is predicated fast breaks and a motion offense where players set picks, cut and run to spots on the floor that will free them for shots. It requires players not to be “robotical” when going through the paces but to be able to read what the defense gives them. The training in Serbia provided a bird’s-eye view on what Toroman was preaching.

The international game is shorter by eight minutes and that requires a different mindset. Despite the Fiba rules, one had to constantly be ready because those rules were strangely interpreted differently depending on the country. Gilas needed to adapt to the nuances of the international game where the three-pointer was utilized to devastating effect. On the defensive end, teams employed a variety of zones. Toroman, the Spartan disciplinarian he is, demanded learning this and perfection from his players.

Second, it requires that every player be able to play multiple positions. Previously Mac Baracael played the three-spot in college. In Toroman’s system, he plays both forward positions. In Jakarta, he played the four-spot, a move that raised quite a few eyebrows. But as assistant coach Allan Gregorio explained, “It’s about the quality of the player. And Baracael is as good as they come even if he gives up some height.”

Smart Gilas Feels It Has Found ‘Mr. Right’

(From Team Pilipinas)

All indications point to Dwayne Jones being a perfect fit for the Smart Gilas Pilipinas national team.

At least that’s how Rajko Toroman sees it after the Gilas mentor revealed that they are close to signing up the 6-foot-11, 251-pound inside operator out of Saint Joseph University, a US NCAA Division I school.

“I like Jones,” said Toroman. “But we have to make a deal. Coach Greg Popovich (of the San Antonio Spurs) was very positive about him. I’m doing my best to get as much information as I can.”

The Serbian coach saw Jones in the NBA D-League during a recent visit in the United States.

Toroman said Smart Gilas team manager Frankie Lim is on the negotiating table with the 26-year-old Jones, who played for the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Charlotte Bobcats in the NBA.

“Coach was very impressed with Jones,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Noli Eala. “We’ve been studying his statistics and credentials. Clearly, he’s a worthy candidate.”

Eala added that Jones is described as one of the best big men in the D-League with NBA size and rebounding skills.

“If he is what the scouts have said, then definitely he will be a huge catch for Gilas. We’re praying that all goes well and that finally we’ve found Mr. Right,” said Eala.

He pointed out that the SBP is more careful now on choosing its candidate for naturalization after the first two imports—CJ Giles and Jamal Sampson—failed to meet expectations.

Should talks with Jones fall through, Toroman said former UCLA Bruin Michael Fey or former PBA import Earl Barron will be next in line.

Jones has been tallying 16.8 points, 15.4 rebounds and 1.9 shot blocks per game for the Austin Toros in the NBDL.

Gilas Eyes NBA Vets, Ex-Import

(From the Philippine Star)

Smart Gilas Pilipinas is looking at two NBA veterans and a former PBA import as candidates for naturalization and replacement for Jamal Sampson, who failed to meet the team officials’ expectations.

Earl Barron, a member of the 2006 NBA champion Miami Heat who suited up for Red Bull years ago, has been considered for inclusion to beef up the Filipinos’ ambitious Olympic bid.

The seven-foot Barron has averaged an impressive 13.6 points and 8.9 rebounds for the Iowa Energy in the NBA’s developmental league, the NBDL and should be the best bet since he’s only 28 years old.

Smart Gilas’ Serbian coach Rajko Toroman is also considering the 6-11 Courtney Sims, a 26-year-old forward who normed 9.5 points and 5.5 rebounds for the University of Michigan Wolverines. He also played for the Indiana Pacers in the NBA two years ago.

Jamee Watkins, who suited up for Shell, has also been included in the short list of candidates.

PBA Teams Still Mum on Lending Players to Gilas

(From GMA News)

Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) most valuable player (MVP) Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia, former rookie of the year Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine and ex-national team standout Jared Dillinger of Talk ‘N Text on Smart Gilas team?

Their inclusion remains up for discussion by the PBA board of governors and their respective mother ballclubs.

This was confirmed by PBA vice chairman and Purfoods board governor Rene Pardo to GMANews.TV.

“We haven’t discussed anything yet on the table," Pardo said. “It all depends on the team but it will be a big risk for the team’s because the period of time in between breaks in the PBA is very short and players will be needed right away by their mother teams."

Gilas to Play All-Filipino in Asiad

(From the Manila Times)

SMART Gilas Pilipinas will most likely goAll-Filipino when it sees action in the 2010 Asian Games later this November.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Noli Eala and Gilas head coach Rajko Toroman said National Basketball

Association veteran Jamal Sampson is on the way out because of his inconsistent performance in the recent 21st Dubai International Basketball Tournament.

“We are ready to go all-Filipino in this year’s Asian Games even without a naturalized player,” said Eala, who was also accompanied by Gilas skipper Chris Tiu during Tuesday’s PSA Forum. “We are now planning to talk with him [Jamal] and tell our plans.”

Gilas is coming off a third-place finish in Dubai tourney, where the 6-foot-11 Sampson missed three games including the crucial semifinal encounter against Lebanon because of various “unexplainable reasons.”

“Jamal is very poor and we’re now going to replace him,” said Toroman. “He is a good power player when he played for us in Qatar and there’s one game where he took 19 rebounds, but we need consistency and somebody who plays with heart.”

“The locals proved they can take charge and win against countries reinforced by American imports,” he added.

Eala will ask Gilas team manager Frankie Lim to find a replacement for Sampson before the Asian Games. The SBP official, however, expects the process of naturalization to take time so Gilas may go all Filipino or tap players from the Philippine Basketball Association.

Toroman said he might select two or three players from the PBA led by Paul Asi Taulava of Coca-Cola and Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia Realty, who have already played for the all-pro national squad in the past.

Eala admitted no other prospects are being eyed to take the place of Sampson, although Tiu added the team is just a good big guy away from being at par with the best of Asia.

“We still need to beef up our big guys. Definitely we need a strong force in the middle to get rebounds and wreck havoc at the defensive end.

“But despite falling short in the end [of the Dubai tournament], the result was very fulfilling because we were able to prove that we can compete with the best in Asia,” said the RP team captain.

Smart Gilas Bronze Medal Finish Glitters Like Gold

(From Sports Hubs)

Smart Gilas Pilipinas final push for a breakthrough was indeed startling as they hack out an impressive 107-98 victory over their early tormentor Al Jalaa of Syria to finish their Middle East caging campaign in  the 21st  Dubai International Tournament joust with fireworks and jubilation. The Filipinos wound up third and they just won for themselves a bronze medal  in a very tough field. This is indeed fitting for a country longing for a worldwide recognition that is long overdue. The win catapulted the Philippines in the Asian basketball again before throngs of Filipino workers who witnessed the game with gusto.

Marnel Baracael collected 26 points while Mark Barroca chipped in  18 of his 21 points in the last quarter for the Philippines quintet. The Filipinos made a remarkable 18 straight freethrows in the crucial minutes of the game then posted an impressive 40  points in the fourth quarter, to subdue their Middle East counterparts. Mark Barrocca’s ferocious plays truly guided the RP Smart Gilas in dismantling the Al Jalaa of Syria, black and blue as they avenged their early loss by handing the Syrian a  resounding beating in their bronze medal match. Barroca converted a trey beyond the rainbow arc that allowed the importless Filipino squad take control of the game in the last two minutes.  The desperate Syrians used hacking tactics to virtually stop the clock in their favor, but the Filipinos with nerves of steel made 18 free throws to foil any chance the Syrians have in the game.

“We’re disappointed after the loss (in their semifinals match with Al-Riyadi). But we recovered pretty well and showed mental toughness in the end,”  RP coach Rajko Toroman said.

Freethrows by Japeth Aguilar and Chris Tiu finally gave the Filipinos the lead, 78-76. Barroca then unleashed a lethal trey and Baracael converted his freethrows in the charity stripe to send the their opponents in fouling the Filipinos, after leading by six at 89-83.

RP Gilas's Finals Hopes Ruined By Lebanon

Smart Gilas Pilipinas' hopes of a finals stint in the 21st Dubai International Basketball Championships ended Friday night as the Rajko Toroman-coached squad suffered a 79-76 semis loss to Lebanon's Al-Riyadi at the Al Ahli Sports Club.

Hoping to continue their giant-killing ways, after pulling off stunning wins against taller and heftier clubs from the Middle East and North Africa, the RP developmental squad will now face Syria's Al Jalaa in the battle for third place aiming to avenge its 90-76 loss against the Syrians on opening day.

Enjoying a 76-71 lead, entering the final two minutes of the contest, the Gilas crew failed to counter Al Riyadi's closing 8-0 run as Lebanon earned the second finals berth.