Gilas Pilipinas and Clyde

IN a recent turn of events, Gilas Pilipinas sustained a couple of setbacks, after two of its key players, Kai Sotto and Kevin Quiambao separately got injured that it may cause for concern. But on the other hand. The said setback might turn out to be a blessing in disguise. As two other players just recovered from their respective injuries and set to rejoin the team.

It will remember, the 7”3’ Sotto, sustained an ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) that sent him to critical surgery and recently out it, as posted by his fiancee in their social media account and it also reportedly successful. But it will take six to 12 month recovery period, which mean. The former Ateneo Stalwart is completely out of the FIBA Asia Cup tournament in August and Gilas’ training and preparation prior to the said event.

Quiambao, two-time UAAP MVP and playing KGL team in the Korean league) likewise got injured three weeks back. But, just as Gilas mentor Tim Cone tapped 6-10 and Ginebra San Miguel newly acquired slotman 6-10 Troy Roasario as Kai’s replacement, the former La Salle Green Archer suddenly came back to life and ready to rejoin the team take his spot.

This was announced by Cone during in his recent interview with sportswriters, as he also assured that the 6-10 Quiambao is set to join the training camp and practices in preparation for the third window wherein they will meet Chinese-Taipei on Feb. 20 and the anticipated rematch with New Zealand on Feb. 23.

Aside from the third window, Quiambao is also set to be reunited with teammates A. J Edu (6-10) and Jaimie Malonzo (6-7) both completely recovered after a long and extensive recovery medical treatment. Both players missed the last two qualifying window due to injuries.

With the Edu and Malonzo, both given a clean bill of health, and the speedy and timely recovery of Quiambao. This gives Cone a big…big… sight of relief, as he previously regarded the trio as talented, skilled and possessed good basketball high IQ that can play in any given position. Each of them have a unique talent that can fill up the spot left by Sotto. Not to mention, Cone also have Junmar Fajardo (6-11) and Gilas captain Japeth Aguilar (6-10).

Gilas Pilipinas, as part of its’ preparation for the FIBA Asia Cup tournament proper, is set to join a pocket tournament, the 2nd Doha Invitational Cup from Feb. 14 to 16. The nationals will meet powerhouse Lebanon, Egypt and host Qatar in the four-nation tourney, Gilas is scheduled to fly on Feb.13.

Likewise recently, a friend, comrade in the profession, a professional co-league, a down to earth person and most all, loved and well respected by his peers, in the field his in. That’s way I personally described Mariano Clidoro a.k.a Clyde “James” Mariano, finally writes 30.

A veteran sportswriter, who have chronicled and witnessed major sporting events, since the early 80’s writing for the newly born then, Tempo (tabloid publication of Manila Bulletin), wherein he touches the lives of many young and aspiring sports journalist including this corner back in 1986, when we first met.

James, had been his monicker and his favorite expression in addressing all gender in the business and co-leagues, that made him the friendliest person I ever met, no discrimination neither judgmental to anyone, that makes him easy to get along with no matter whether how long you’ve been friend nor a recent acquaintance.

He started covering sports event long before the advent of modern technology, from the time of the old, but reliable typewriters, fax machines, electronic email system and a more sophisticated digital Information Technology.

He’s well famous during a regular session of the Philippine Sportswriter Association (PSA) Forum, wherein he gets the ball rolling with a series of questions for the invited guest that somehow settled question and answer session in a more relax manner. And James always had the final question to end the forum.

Sadly, since he fell ill a week after Christmas, there’s no more question. As friends and co-league bid you, goodbye and on to your final journey. And by the way, say hello to tata Gus, Mike and Hector, Yeah?…..