It is difficult to pass judgment on the individual responses of people who are called upon to serve the flag and country.
Often there are interests – personal and otherwise that get in the way.
In the Philippine case where it is hosting qualifiers for the 2023 FIBA World Championship, those who are supposed to render “patriotic” service to the national team are sometimes “not ready’ because they are either nursing injuries or they have conflict in time and availability.
We are not pointing our fingers at anybody but when the country’s national pride and honor are at stake, those who are highly qualified and believe they need to offer their services, should – ideally – make themselves available.
I mean, these chaps should raise their hands and say “I am available.”
Some advance the rationale that, as hosts, the Philippines is already assured of a slot in the tournament proper, that whether we win or lose to visiting teams like Lebanon and Jordan, won’t adversely affect our status in the competition.
If we subscribe to this theory, then why the heck should the country (the SBP in particular) waste its time prepping for the Asian qualifiers when the need of the hour is for Gilas to finally choose the “Dirty Dozen” who will compose the RP national team in the FIBA August event?
This has been my argument if it doesn’t matter to our countrymen whether we lose or win in the Asian qualifiers.
I echo that time is of the essence.
The earlier the “DD” is formed, the better as they will have more time to jell with each other, familiarize with their individual moves and commit to heart the myriad plays designed by the coaching staff.
The fact of the matter is that the Gilas coaches will need to determine if superboy Kai Sotto, Japeth Aguilar and JunMar Fajardo are healthy and available by the time the August FIBA window comes around.
This by no means will include Jordan Clarkson who is tapped as Gilas’ import.
Justin Brownlee, already naturalized, is waiting by the wings just in case.
However, if anyone or two of the three – Sotto, Japeth and Fajardo – miss inclusion, former Ateneo center Ange Kouame should be available (although he is reportedly in the injury list) to augment the team’s dilemma in altitude.
Veteran Kelly Williams, a former PBA MVP, has been promptly buzzed to get ready though.
These are the probable headaches for coach Chot Reyes.
Gilas’ 1, 2 & 3 are okay with many to choose from but the 4 and 5 positions are terribly lacking.
In a super event like the FIBA Worlds, we have to put our best foot forward and exploit our home court advantage as do all other previous hosts.
The trio – JunMar, Japeth and Sotto – are actually irreplaceable.
Reports say Reyes will reveal the “DD” for the 6th qualifying window one day before the confrontation with Lebanon at the 50,000-seat Philippine Arena.
Hmmm… (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
