Gilas Youth program ailing?...

ITS' been a long while, as far as I can remember or recall our young basketball players haven't been making waves in the international youth competition, such as the FIBA Under-18 and 19 tournaments. In my recollection. Those tournaments our youngsters used to dominate it. In fact, we're the pioneering champion in the region.

What used to be known as the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) Junior's Championship (boys and girls), formed in 1970 and later same the year held its maiden tournament held in Seoul, South Korea, wherein the Philippines was crowned champion. Before the international governing body FIBA took over the supervision and the manner of running the event renamed it as FIBA Asia Cup in the early 2000. Same goes the Men's side

Recently, Gilas youngsters took hard beating in the just concluded FIBA Asia Cup U-18, held in Aman, Jordan, finishing bottom second in the showing in a lone victory against Indonesia 75-48, before dropping all its three-remaining matches to New Zealand (58-75), and host Jordan (56-62). Gilas youth likewise their quarter-final round contest to Japan (61-85).

After the said disastrous campaign. And as usual, the blaming game comes in. Critics started questioning the Samahan ng Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), youth program, which they believed should have provided the necessary training and development for our youngster to be atleast more competitive, when it comes to the international scene.

Such these situation, SBP through its executive-director Erica Dy, has come-up an agreement of sort, to part ways with its current youth mentor, Josh Reyes, son of former Gilas coach Chot Reyes, stepped down and gave SBP a free hand to chose the next handler of Gilas Youth. But in all fairness. It will be remember its the younger Reyes was responsible in piloting the another Gilas youth in 2022 qualified to FIBA World Cup U-19 for the first since 1982.

And just a little tribute. Reyes, under his watch, led the another Gilas youngsters won the Southeast Asian Basketball (SEABA) gold medal twice. It was also under his titulage, led the U-16 squad qualify in the 2023 FiBA U-17 World Cup, with impressive victories against, Korea, China, Iran, Lebanon, Chinese-Taipei, New Zealand and Eqypt. With his achievement, all I can say. Wow!....

As Reyes giving way to the next care-taker of Gilas Youth, SBP has come with a shortlist three prospectives. Among them is Ginebra pointman LA Tenorio, who was reportedly turned down the offer, Strong Group Athletics (SGA) tacticiam Chris Tiu, whose currently handling the College of St. Benilde, in the ongoing NCAA., While Goldwyn Monteverde, who is handling the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, in the UAAP side.

Tiu, who has proven his savvy mentorship, when he led SGA winning the prestigious Jones Cup, three months ago, and placing as runner-up to Beirut Al-Riyadi in the last Dubai International Invitational Tournament. Monteverde, on the other hand. was likewise quoted saying he might accept the offer, if it is best serving the country.

The SBP has reportedly expected to announce in the next few weeks who will take cudgels left vacated by Reyes.

But Tenorio politely turned down the offer, SBP is keen on acquiring his services to handle the youth program, as they (SBP), believed the former Ateneo Blue Eagles stalwart is proven winner. And the fact that he is an assistant coach to Tim Cone with GIlas Men's team. An unanimous source with SBP was quoted as saying, in case LA accept the offer, SBP will provided him all necessary support for him to carry out his job.

Since the Philippines was crowned as first champion in 1970, the Filipinos successfully defended the title in four times, 1972 to 1978. Before China snapped the Philippines's winning streak.(71-61) held in Bangkok, Thailand. The Filipinos youngsters came strong when \Manila hosted 1982 championship and the team was under the mentorship of American Ron Jacobs, beat the Chinese, 82-71.

It was the last time the Filipinos youngster have lifted the championship trophy, as they finished runner-up to Korea two years later the Philippines came close of winning back the title in 1986 held at the old Rizal Memorial Coliseum, but fell short as it lost anew to China, 67-81.

Two more third placed finished was the Philippines was able to earn, in 1989 and 1992. And that proved to be last times that the country ever had a podium finished.