Gilas Pilipinas Roster for Olympic Qualifier

An open letter by everyJUAN to Philippine Basketball.

Dear Basketball Gods,

 It's that time again when we get to watch our televisions as every nation parades and showcase their athletes competing in every sport, it's that time again when we get to witness the developed economies race on who's going to garner more medals for glory, it's that time again when we get to see more record setters and record breakers, and it's that time again when we could only wish that it was still 1996 – the  last time we won a medal. Please provide us luck this time. Yes, we bagged gold on Wushu at Beijing but that was a demonstration sport therefore not counted. Did your hear about how our boxing is in Philippines? It's world class, gaining accolades from almost every side of the globe. Manny Pacquiao? Yah, I heard his retiring, his last bout will be this April. Few rising stars can sure fill his absence but, for sure, PacMan's choice on hanging his gloves will surely be a big blow to Filipino pride so this brings me to promote what I believe is a sport that can actually create the same hype and frenzy like that of Pacquaio's fights. Imagine the whole nation caught on the edge of their seats as it watches the game, no traffic jams, and social media sites going nuts once again. No event captured the hearts of every Filipino and even some foreign spectators like how our Gilas Pilipinas squad did last FIBA World Cup 2014 with their amazing run. Would it be wonderful if our boys make it to Rio this year?

For us to make to Neymar's homeland and play against the elite gunners of basketball we need first to pass the test that awaits us in the qualifying round regardless of who are the teams Gilas will face. In line with that, I'd like ask your intercession so that big bosses up there will be enlightened by your divine grace so that they would allow some key players to participate in our campaign. We all know that to begin with our chances of winning against those basketball heavyweights are slim but don't count us out because we have almost completely stunned some juggernauts despite being a complete underdog in the last grand stage our Gilas squad has participated. Just a simple wish, grant this as an advance Christmas gift; this 12-man roster plus 1 reserve that I think will the best lineup for the Olympic Qualifier.

                           

The Bigs:

1. Andray Blatche

2. June Mar Fajardo

3. Greg Slaughter

4. Japeth Aguilar

Forwards:

1. Gabe Norwood

2. Matt Ganuelas

3. Dondon Hontiveros

Guards:

1. Jordan Clarkson

2. Bobby Ray Parks

3. Terrence Romeo

4. Calvin Abueva

5. Jayson Castro

Reserve:

1.  Ranidel De Ocampo 

The front-line list if realized will be a dream come true for every Filipino, the best list we could come up to match up France's solid big men. The boys manning the 3-spot are the best athletic freaks in our nation like Gabe and Matt while Dondon can stretch the floor and can also make some pretty good stops. And lastly, our guards could set the tone. I mean look at that! Bobby Ray Parks and Jordan Clarkson together?! Goosebumps.

Please help us with this. This we ask in the name of hoops, splash!

Laban Pilipinas.

Team RP to aspire at FIBA ASIA 2013

Two days to go, Filipino basketball fans are sure excited as the players of the team Gilas Pilipinas to test the waters of Asian hoops. I, personally can't wait for another two nights of sleep for FIBA ASIA to kick off, it's leaving me restless. The tournament will start at August 1 and is pegged to culminate at the 11th, with the bracket ready, Lebanon suspended, and the RP basketball squad in good shape, I think our guys are destined to bring home the bacon this time.

Saw their tune-up bout about against Kazakhstan with obviously taller players; Gilas Pilipinas showed how Filipinos would fight despite being vertically challenged. Half the size, twice the heart. The equation our athletes have always shown. 

As the opening of the tournament draws close, however, two of the vital piece of the puzzle is still recovering from the aftermath of that bloody tune-up match, versatile forward Ranidel de Ocampo and spitfire guard Jayson Castro respectively. An update on their status here.

Catch the Gilas Pilipinas on their/our rise to the top of the Asian basketball supremacy on the following schedules:

FIBA Asia Championship – First Round

Philippines versus Saudi Arabia
– August 1, 2013 – SM Mall of Asia Arena
– 8:15 p.m. LIVE ON TV5
– Replay on HYPER: August 2, 12 noon

Philippines versus Jordan
– August 2, 2013 – SM Mall of Asia Arena
– 8:15 p.m. LIVE ON TV5
– Replay on HYPER: August 3, 10 a.m.

Philippines versus Chinese Taipei
– August 3, 2013 – SM Mall of Asia Arena
– 8:15 p.m. LIVE ON TV5
– Replay on HYPER: August 4, 10 a.m.

Let's show the patriotism during these dates. Laban Pilipinas!

FIBA ASIA 2013

Forty years later or  after six presidents, Philippines is once again hosting the most prestigious basketball league in the continent. The host should have been Beirut, Lebanon but with security issues that are yet to be stable as of the moment, Filipinos will enjoy the home court advantage then. The draw was held at Manila Hotel on June 6 with Team Pilipinas being the 13th and the privilege to select which group to join, also, 2 teams from the SEABA region are yet to be determined as they will still battle their way for their respective slots in a qualifying match.

On the side of the globe, Smart Gilas boys are busy on a training camp at Lithuania to sharpen those weapons.  Group A, you think we can smoothly make it to the next round? And, more importantly, can we end the drought for a taste of a gold medal? Your support can make a difference; support our campaign for Asian Basketball Supremacy. Like Smart Gilas' facebook page for update. FIBA Asia Championship commences on August 1 and ends on August 11. Mabuhay ka Pilipinas!