Smart Gilas at the 2012 William Jones Cup

[JAMSKIE]

I'm not keeping up with the latest Smart Gilas news so I just wanted to ask if Asi Taulava officially retired from international competitions?
Even though he's close to 40 his absence will be felt somehow.

And if we wanted to compare this new Smart Gilas (2) squad to the previous one do you guys think this roster can be as good? The previous roster was definitely much bigger in size for sure with guys like Slaughter, Taulava and Aguilar on the team.

I can see familiar names of players like Norwood, Baracael, Mercado, De Ocampo (I'm assuming it's Ranidel), Thoss and of course Douthit... But names like Villanueva, Chan, David, Jr Reyes, Fonacier and Tenoria are new to me (especially since i'm haven't been keeping track of the PBA.

In my honest opinion sir, I believe Asi Taulava is still serviceable for the current Philippine team despite his age. If you look at the current nat'l. training pool you will notice that there isn't a lot of big men or centers. After naturalized player Marcus Douthit, only Sonny Thoss & Enrico Villanueva are considered legitimate centers but both of whom undersized centers. I anticipate that Gregg Slaughter has a strong chance of making it to the final 12-man line-up, but experience-wise I would choose Taulava over Slaughter. I want Taulava for the current nat'l. team mainly becoz of the experience & maturity that he could bring to the team. Of all the current big man in the PBA & in the amateur backyard, Taulava has the most experience in international competitions.

Now, with regards to the comparison between the current Phi. training pool team (PBA-select team) from the original Smart Gilas team (mixture of PBA & amateur cagers), I believe, talent-wise & depth-wise, the current team is better. But as far as cohesion & familiarity with international basketball game are concerned, I think the original Smart Gilas team is better.

Of course it remains to be seen how the players of the current Phi team will jell & get accustomed to the international game. I think the coming Jones Cup will be the initial test for our team.

[JAMSKIE]

in fairness to JR he was quite tough and effective when he was till with Welcoat. His troubles began when he was traded away to other teams. Seems to me that he didn't feel wanted in any of these new teams of his. He looked lost and unmotivated on the court.

Korek!

JR Reyes (when he was still with Welcoat/Rain or Shine) was once considered by some coaches as among the best power forwards in the PBA. But when he was traded to Alaska & recently to meralco, that's when his game declined.

[mangangalakal]

In my honest opinion sir, I believe Asi Taulava is still serviceable for the current Philippine team despite his age. If you look at the current nat'l. training pool you will notice that there isn't a lot of big men or centers. After naturalized player Marcus Douthit, only Sonny Thoss & Enrico Villanueva are considered legitimate centers but both of whom undersized centers. I anticipate that Gregg Slaughter has a strong chance of making it to the final 12-man line-up, but experience-wise I would choose Taulava over Slaughter. I want Taulava for the current nat'l. team mainly becoz of the experience & maturity that he could bring to the team. Of all the current big man in the PBA & in the amateur backyard, Taulava has the most experience in international competitions.

Now, with regards to the comparison between the current Phi. training pool team (PBA-select team) from the original Smart Gilas team (mixture of PBA & amateur cagers), I believe, talent-wise & depth-wise, the current team is better. But as far as cohesion & familiarity with international basketball game are concerned, I think the original Smart Gilas team is better.

Of course it remains to be seen how the players of the current Phi team will jell & get accustomed to the international game. I think the coming Jones Cup will be the initial test for our team.

He might be having a resurgence, but the fact remains that Asi can't play forever. He's even considering retiring from the PBA.

[Khalid80]

let me answer your question,..

Asi Taulava reportedly retired from national team duty,..but not officially,
this current line-up is of Gilas 2 is just a pool, we can expect changes time after time, but definitely it is much shorter than the previous one.

new players are
Villanueva, he is a 6'5 power forward,
jeff chan, a sharp shooter, from rain or shine team( current PBA champion team) team mate of gabe norwood
gary david - shooting guard, PBA scoring champion
Jr reyes - 6'7 mobile power forward
larry fonacier - another sharp shooting guard
LA Tenorio - 5'8 point guard,

again, this is just a pool,..Smart Gilas Line-up may change from time to time,..

Asi is done with national team duties.
Individually, the present roster is more talented and skilled. But smart gilas 1 was a team that their lesser individual capability was overshadowed by their team play. And Smart gilas 1 was fit to play the international game. The previous roster got taller guys but this roster has stronger and tougher guys -except for jr reyes. The present roster is more of guys who can play/is fit to play the system of coach chot.

Villanueva was the guy who dragged lebanon's stephen howard during the 2005 fiba asia champions cup held in the philippines. He is not really a skilled guy as of late but he is tough and he doesnt back down. Gary David is a proven scorer even NBA's Mario West - who was the usual guy tasked to guard the nba scorers like lebron- acknowledges his skill to score. Jr Reyes,is a softie like Japeth Aguilar but less athletic. Seriously, i dont know why he is there. Tenorio is a smart guy. A good facilitator. Jeff Chan and Fonacier are high flyers. there goes the scouting report.

Villanueva(#23) vs FIBA world Championship bound Jordan NT:


Gary David

Salamat po for the info. guys

[reamily]

Korek!

JR Reyes (when he was still with Welcoat/Rain or Shine) was once considered by some coaches as among the best power forwards in the PBA. But when he was traded to Alaska & recently to meralco, that's when his game declined.

even before.. hehe he is not the best because at that time he is young and he is considered a potential best 4 guy..but to be fair with the guy gabe also had his dissapointments.. but Ros unlike Gabe did not stick with Jay R...

Jayr would/Should be given a chance to show his stuff internationally afterall other asian big guys in his calibre get in their national A teams why not Jay r in the national pool?

[mangangalakal]

even before.. hehe he is not the best because at that time he is young and he is considered a potential best 4 guy..but to be fair with the guy gabe also had his dissapointments.. but Ros unlike Gabe did not stick with Jay R...

Jayr would/Should be given a chance to show his stuff internationally afterall other asian big guys in his calibre get in their national A teams why not Jay r in the national pool?

Alright, if not for his height, girth and game. I'm hoping Chot can whip his mind up though.

[nardy]

Jr Reyes,is a softie like Japeth Aguilar but less athletic. Seriously, i dont know why he is there.

Well that's why Coach Chot is testing Jay-R at this coming Jones Cup. If he proves himself then well and good for the GILAS 2.0 pool but if not then most likely he's out and Chot will then get to try other players like Aguilar, Belga, Al-Husseini, etc.

[mikepogi]

Well that's why Coach Chot is testing Jay-R at this coming Jones Cup. If he proves himself then well and good for the GILAS 2.0 pool but if not then most likely he's out and Chot will then get to try other players like Aguilar, Belga, Al-Husseini, etc.

It will be interesting how Jay-R would be able to match with the big boys in Asia. He does have the heft and the size to be at least serviceable backup for Douthit.. Not to mention a decent perimeter game. Him and Thoss would probably be competing for that spot in the team.. Although Thoss could have the upperhand as he can also play the 4, something that Jay-R can't.

Another way is for JayR to battle it out with Villanueva as the team's enforcer, a third string center..
If this is the case, we might see Douthit/Thoss/JayR/Williams/DeOCampo as the composition of our front court. Although its too early to tell at this point

[eindhow]

Well that's why Coach Chot is testing Jay-R at this coming Jones Cup. If he proves himself then well and good for the GILAS 2.0 pool but if not then most likely he's out and Chot will then get to try other players like Aguilar, Belga, Al-Husseini, etc.

I mentioned before that I'm not a fan of JR Reyes' game. I still stick to it that it's better for Aguilar to be there than him, stating that they almost have the same case (soft, basketball IQ). Maybe if he replaces Enrico, much better just because of the size. Anything else, The Raging Bull has the upside.

Beau Belga will be an interesting add. He'll definite be that role player. He might add something similar to what Ranidel de Ocampo was doing with Gilas. de Ocampo and Belga in the same team! I'm excited for that.

Al-Husseini is like our Demarcus Cousins. Read about him regarding Team USA. But I am really high on him just because of the skill set.

Now, who are those etc, sir nardy?>:] Pingris comes to mind but damn SMC.

[reamily]

Alright, if not for his height, girth and game. I'm hoping Chot can whip his mind up though.

He should fare better against a James Mao or Doug Creighton if not...LOL

[ricodgame]

You might all forgotten that Toroman had/has a 'man-crush' on JR.

As a former classmate in HS and a friend. JR is matured for his age, (well since I left PH in 09, We have not spoken that much anymore) He can run, shoot perimiter shots, He can defend. His idol his Kerby so he patterned his game to Kerby. When he was in HS/College(1st year) he was supposed to be the next big thing. He showed potential when he was with WelBest Franchise, however when he got traded to Alaska, he got lost, hence the decline of his game. But hey, he is still young 26-27, hope chot can make him realize his potential.

[all_about]

Starting 5 for PHL:

Mercado
David
Norwood
De Ocampo
Douthit

It's your time to cheer guys.

[reamily]

Starting 5 for PHL:

Mercado
David
Norwood
De Ocampo
Douthit

It's your time to cheer guys.

He is already spoiling the Best Philippine 5 here

[nardy]

I mentioned before that I'm not a fan of JR Reyes' game. I still stick to it that it's better for Aguilar to be there than him, stating that they almost have the same case (soft, basketball IQ). Maybe if he replaces Enrico, much better just because of the size. Anything else, The Raging Bull has the upside.

Beau Belga will be an interesting add. He'll definite be that role player. He might add something similar to what Ranidel de Ocampo was doing with Gilas. de Ocampo and Belga in the same team! I'm excited for that.

Al-Husseini is like our Demarcus Cousins. Read about him regarding Team USA. But I am really high on him just because of the skill set.

Now, who are those etc, sir nardy?>:] Pingris comes to mind but damn SMC.

Gilbert Lao LOL

[eindhow]

Gilbert Lao LOL

OMG WTF get him before the Chinese/Taiwanese get him!lol

[nardy]

OMG WTF get him before the Chinese/Taiwanese get him!lol

legit 6'7 hahaha!

[nardy]

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/369060...-jordan-cagers

Gilas Takes On Jordan Cagers
By Rey C. Lachica
August 9, 2012, 11:43pm

Newly-formed Smart Gilas Pilipinas II will be tested right away in its first international stint when it battles the taller and bulkier Jordanian squad in the opening of the William R. Jones Cup on Aug. 18 (Saturday) in Taiwan.

Certainly, the Nationals, now being handled by Chot Reyes, will have a hard time matching up with the lumbering Jordanias but they’re ready to face the challenge head on.

"It’s going to be tough opening match but we’ll take the challenge," said Gilas team manager Butch Antonio.

The Nationals, who resumed training only last Saturday, are determined to avenge the stinging 76-72 defeat suffered by their predecessor to Jordan last year.

After Jordan, the Nationals will face Taiwan B the following day before taking a break on Aug. 20.

Gilas is scheduled to face the sharp-shooting South Korea squad on Aug. 21 before facing Japan and Lebanon on Wednesday and Thursday where the Nationals have the decisive edge in experience.

But against defending champion Iran on Aug. 24, the Nationals must come up with an extraordinary effort to prevail again.

The original Gilas squad of coach Rajko Toroman clobbered the Iranians in the opening day last year, 73-59, but the Beijing Olympic veterans got back at Gilas squad, scoring a 78-59 win in the semis.

They cap their campaign by going up against Taiwan A on Aug. 25 before meeting a team from the United on Aug. 26.

Though they will have only less than two weeks of practice for the annual tournament, the Nationals are hoping to replicate if not better the third-place finish of the original Gilas team last year.

The Jones Cup is the first of the team’s two international exposures before next year’s FIBA-Asia meet.

[toikins]

hoping there'll be no injuries. We need to be healthy for the last two games--Taiwan A and USA.

Taiwan A because y'know they wanted to beat us.

Not excited with Jordan. Will they even use daghles and zaid abbas?
Lebanon will have 3 players who are born +1990.
Taiwan B was defeated and humiliated by China u18.


Challenges would be south Korea, Iran and USA. And maybe taiwan A.

overall,good schedule preparing us for a showdown against USA on our final game.
I just hope we remain healthy.

[mangangalakal]

hoping there'll be no injuries. We need to be healthy for the last two games--Taiwan A and USA.

Taiwan A because y'know they wanted to beat us.

Not excited with Jordan. Will they even use daghles and zaid abbas?
Lebanon will have 3 players who are born +1990.
Taiwan B was defeated and humiliated by China u18.


Challenges would be south Korea, Iran and USA. And maybe taiwan A.

overall,good schedule preparing us for a showdown against USA on our final game.
I just hope we remain healthy.

The keys for us are health and shooting.

[all_about]

team is leaving on Thursday MNL time.