Tallest, talented, skilled Gilas-Pilipinas ever!

The present 12-man Gilas-Pilipinas line-up assembled by head coach Tim Cone have been regarded by many, including basketball experts, officials and sports enthusiast. Not to mention, even bloggers, as the tallest, talented and skilful array of players ever put up yet so far that will beef up the country in the coming international meet.

Aside from forming a formidable line-up of nationals, a four-year long term program that hone-up their talent and individual skills to the fullest throughout the build-up and in preparation of those young bunch of Gilas-Pilipinas leading to the long-awaited return to the Olympics.

First stop for the younger Gilas, is the FIBA Asia Cup qualification window in Saudi Arabia, as it tests it’s mettle following a five-day training sorties when it takes on Hong Kong on February 22 at Tse Tsue Arena in the former British colony, before hosting the Chinese-Taipei squad three days later at the Philsports Arena. Gilas-Pilipinas will have its first acid test when it trade talents with New Zealand in the other window.

Breaking down the said formidable 12-man line up, experts believe that these “young guns” have an average ceiling of 6”5’ with the tallest player standing at 7”3’ in Kai Soto, and the smallest in Scottie Thompson at 6”2’. Soto playing the slot, he’s supported equally tough defenders in the-likes of PBA’s 7-time Junmar Fajardo (6-10), veteran Gilas back up Japhet Aguilar (6-11). Aguilar is subbing for the injured E.J Edu (6-10).

In the forward or the wing side, Cone has brought a group of versatile defender and shooters, as well of have the size, heft and a good perimeter jumpers, even beyond the 33-foot line range led Calvin Oftana (6-9), Jaime Malonzo (6-7), Carl Tamayo (6-8)Kevin Quiambao (6-6), C.J Perez (6-6) and Dwight Ramos (6-5).

Guard positions, point and shooting guards, Thompson spare heads and direct Cone’s game plan with naturalised player Justine Brownlee (6-6) his “go to guy” in term of shooting and creating scoring opportunities not not only for himself, but also for his teammates.

Aside from Brownlee, who can deliver the crucial points even under defensive pressure, is Cris Newsome (6-4), who averages 15 points and has a good shooting touch in and out. Brownlee and Newsome are regarded by opponents as scoring threat from the three-point line.

So far, after three-days of practice, Cone has expressed his satisfaction and impressed with the practice session had been going on, with 10 of the 12-man line had been practicing under new system as prepared by Cone his wards to carry out, if not through perfection.

Fajardo and Perez, were not able to make the first day practice following San Miguel Beermen title-triumph in the just concluded PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The two promises to catch up practice couple days before Gilas leaves for Hong Kong in time start of of the first window.