Humblebola

Hi Karl,

What a week it was for Philippine basketball, huh?

A rebuilding Ateneo team beat two formidable NCAA teams in the PinoyLiga Cup, Adamson put up a valiant effort against DLSU en route to a silver finish in the Roxas City Tournament, and Gilas Pilipinas just swept the latest leg of the FIBA World Asian Qualifiers getting the job done against Jordan and Iran.

I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it must have been for Ateneo following the passing of their teammates Rene Bartebonia and Divine Adili back in June, but their return to organized basketball has seen a lot of inspired play especially from Jared Bahay and Kieffer Alas.

Honestly I was apprehensive about their performance in their first game against OLFU. While their defensive intensity definitely ramped up, their offense felt a bit stagnant compared to what we have gotten used to from Ateneo. But in their next games, it looks like they are starting to develop into their system while Bahay and Alas are their core engine for their offense.

It’s going to be interesting to see how both UST and Ateneo fair against one another in the PinoyLiga Cup, especially with UAAP Season 89 just around the corner. My guess is that we’re far from seeing either team in their true forms. Either way it’s going to be a fun matchup.

I’ve also been on the Reddit forums a lot lately. As per usual, everyone is counting Adamson out, and perhaps for a logical reason– the Cedrick Manzano shaped void they have to fill. Their performance in the Roxas City Tournament has much to be hopeful for, though. Beating DLSU definitely turned some heads. Doing it with some unconscious shooting from Matt Erolon and a clutch game-tying three from Mat Edding definitely inspires a lot of confidence in this team.

As for the defending champions DLSU, I don’t think this performance will define them in any way, even if they missed out on a podium finish. Adjusting to life without Mike Philips is definitely going to take some time. With Jacob Cortez still running point, they can still give any team after their crown a run for their money.

That performance by Gilas Pilipinas though, talk about fighting tooth and nail.

A lot of people were understandably worried when Coach Tim announced that Justin Brownlee would not be playing against Jordan and Iran. Afterall, Gilas barely held their own against New Zealand, and not at all against Australia in the previous leg of the FIBA World Qualifiers. Justin Brownlee has been such a boon to Gilas, it was difficult to imagine how they’d cope without him.

Fortunately they found a way. Many fans forget that this is still *the* national men’s team. That means they have some of the best, both on their lineup and in the coaching staff as well. Throughout both games, Gilas Pilipinas looked like they did their homework and understood the assignment, going as far as emphasizing a “one point win” against Jordan, which came true.

Having Kai Sotto definitely helped Gilas’ chances. A tall rebounder, lob threat, or even just emergency pass outlet freed up a ton of space for Gilas’ guards. Putting Sotto in with Edu, who has been great at patrolling the paint, caused a lot of opponents to re-think their drives to the basket. How many times did both Jordan and Iran’s guards hesitate before attempting a layup just because Sotto or Edu was in their peripheral vision. When they didn’t hesitate, it resulted in Sotto’s game-saving block on Olijuwon.

Seeing this lineup for Gilas makes me optimistic for Philippine basketball’s future. The more players who develop like Kevin Quiambao or Carl Tamayo we can get, the better. Playing in tougher competition has really allowed them to hone their skills. Even then, the PBA veterans still have a place in this roster, CJ Perez taking over against Jordan was very Pinoy basketball– when all else fails, attack the basket and see what sticks. Just look at how steady he was scoring straight points in the 4th and overtime until dishing to Quiambao for the go-ahead three!

I wonder how it must have felt for June Mar Fajardo in those last two games, seeing young players matching his size and impact on the court. For the past decade, June Mar was the lone answer to the “lack of height” problem, now, opposing teams have to worry about matching Kai and AJ’s height. If this was the last we’ll see of Abai in a Gilas jersey, then it was a good run. Those dying minutes of the first half against Iran served as a flash back to his dominant days, and a fitting swan song to one of the greatest to ever play in the Philippines.

Can’t wait for what’s next in Philippine basketball. Asian Games, the UAAP, the next leg of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, I’d love to get your thoughts on them too.

Until then, stay safe and keep shooting.

Yours,

Toby.