Gilas 5, tallest generational crop of talents ever formed

GILAS Pilipinas coach Tim Cone described the present crop of Gilas players as "generational", loaded with talent, skills and the tallest ever assembled, which the country never had before of its kind since the Filipinos started participating in the sport during the 1932 Berlin Olympics.

According to Cone that we never had such a generational talented skilled players that can match the height, heft and athleticism that of European powerhouse Latvia and Georgia in the coming Olympics Qualifying Tournament (OQT) to be hosted by Latvia on July 2 to 7.

As he previously mention in an interview, It maybe hard and tough to beat those teams, but he likewise believe its' not impossible. Cone even called their journey as "Mission Paris,"

And with the abundance of talent and skills in the team, the American, but Filipino in heart, mentor believes tough defense is the key to win, as the said ploy is center on the shoulders of bigmen led by the 6-foot-10 A.J Edu, who according to Cone is already 100 percent healed from his injury and is currently in London, England undergoing physical conditioning.

Cone regarded A.J as Gilas's big man-stopper as he is designated to guard Latvian and Boston Celtics' Kristap Porzingis (7-0) and Bitadze Goga of Georgia (6-10). It is indeed a tough job for A.J. But Cone is quick to explain that A.J is not going to be alone and he will be backed up by a pair equally big men defenders in 7-foot-three Kai Sotto and PBA six-time MVP Junemar Fajardo (6'11") who is also 100 percent healed from his own injury.

Though Gilas loses shooter and tough defender Jaime Malonzo to injury; eventually replaced by co-Barangay Ginebra teammate and the veteran Japeth Aguilar, who can also provide tough defense need to back up Sotto and Fajardo in both ends of the court.

Since Cone was regarded by many basketball experts as a defensive coach and that his triangle offense is centered primarily on defense, which reap evidently in the last two Asia Cup qualifying windows against Hong Kong and Chinese-Taipei.

In terms of speed and shooting ability, Cone pointed out his team will never be outgun and outrun by the oppositions as Gilas possess an array of consistent shooters whether from the perimeter or beyond the three point line. Based on Cone's game plan, his wards need to maximize its' full potential in and beyond the arch.

Leading Cone's bunch of shooters are youthful Kevin Quiambao (6'6"), Carl Tamayo (6'5") and Dwight Ramos (6'6"). the trio has been proven consistent snipers not to mention another steady shooter is Mason Amos (6'5"). All players are averaging at least nine to 10 points, while having six-to eight percent in rebounds and block shots a game.

And of course, how could we ever forgot, the GOAT himself, naturalized Justine Brownlee, who just came back in the country after a fruitful stint in the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) wherein he led the Pelita Jaya to a podium finished in the said concluded league, where he was named league MVP.

Supporting Brownlee in offense is versatile swingman Scottie Thompson and wingman Calvin Oftana, who according to Cone, play in various position and has an average of 10-12 points a game, two-three rebounds and can dish out assists.