What was touted as Gilas Pilipinas' last home stand did not materialize as organizers claim that NBA refused to grant permission to its players to play competitive basketball. Filipino basketball fans were totally dismayed and felt betrayed upon the announcement that only drills were to be performed by Gilas and their NBA counterparts just minutes before the actual game.
I am just puzzled as to why the organizers failed to set everything right for the exhibition game. After all, it is fairly simple to write to NBA to ask permission for the exhibition game. The mess could have been easily avoided had the organizers been diligent in obtaining the necessary permit. The organizers had at least 5 months to fix the necessary permit. What were they thinking in bypassing NBA anyway ?
I am likewise bothered by the fact that the NBA players and their agents agreed to play without knowing that they will run into trouble with the NBA. These players were paid in hundreds of thousands of dollars for the game. They accepted the complete financial package that was offered to them for the game. Certainly, a check with their mother organization whether they can actually play is the least that they can do.
I feel sorry for MVP who now must face the people's wrath. It his army of trusted men who, I think, must be blamed largely for the mess. But then again, is it possible for MVP not to know that as early as April, NBA issued a non-approval of the game ? Is it possible that all his trusted men hid that very crucial detail to him ? Can MVP claim that he is unaware of what was really going on ?
Lastly, I can't help ask where Coach Chot Reyes is in all these ?
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Monday, July 21, 2014
WHAT IS THE REAL SCORE WITH GILAS PILIPINAS ?
I am rather puzzled with the way Gilas Pilipinas is preparing for FIBA World Cup in Spain.
Two months before the tournament, the coaching staff of the Philippine team is still experimenting on who will make up the team. Several of those who played during FIBA Asia were left out during Asia Cup in favor of new players. There are talks that 17 players will be sent to Spain instead of 12. But will sending more players really make a difference ? After all, only 12 players will be allowed to play during the tournament. And will the uncertainty of the team's lineup help build teamwork and familiarity ?
Then there is the much-touted workout with NBA stars. Several known NBA players will play two games against Gilas Pilipinas which will serve as tune-ups for the team. While the intention is there, when has an exhibition/charity game really brought out the true capability of a team ? Surely, all the players will play with caution to prevent injuries. Likewise, the games will more likely be played for show. The games will be played to keep the fans happy than anything else.
Sadly, it is the coaching staff that is making the road to Spain bumpy. Instead of focusing on the essentials, it chooses to highlight irrelevance and drama. It is as if the coaching staff is not aware of how difficult it is for the team to win even just one game in Spain. The situation calls for hard practice and a system that will work well against strong teams like Greece, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Croatia and Senegal. Up to this point, I don't see the coaching staff measuring up to the challenge. And a complete defeat of the team is becoming inevitable.
Two months before the tournament, the coaching staff of the Philippine team is still experimenting on who will make up the team. Several of those who played during FIBA Asia were left out during Asia Cup in favor of new players. There are talks that 17 players will be sent to Spain instead of 12. But will sending more players really make a difference ? After all, only 12 players will be allowed to play during the tournament. And will the uncertainty of the team's lineup help build teamwork and familiarity ?
Then there is the much-touted workout with NBA stars. Several known NBA players will play two games against Gilas Pilipinas which will serve as tune-ups for the team. While the intention is there, when has an exhibition/charity game really brought out the true capability of a team ? Surely, all the players will play with caution to prevent injuries. Likewise, the games will more likely be played for show. The games will be played to keep the fans happy than anything else.
Sadly, it is the coaching staff that is making the road to Spain bumpy. Instead of focusing on the essentials, it chooses to highlight irrelevance and drama. It is as if the coaching staff is not aware of how difficult it is for the team to win even just one game in Spain. The situation calls for hard practice and a system that will work well against strong teams like Greece, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Croatia and Senegal. Up to this point, I don't see the coaching staff measuring up to the challenge. And a complete defeat of the team is becoming inevitable.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)