MISSION: 2012

Is Smart-Gilas "FIBA-Asia Ready?" Can they do it? Can they qualify for the 2012 London Olympics? The questions of  every Filipino basketball fan. We've been tired of being booted out in the qualifiers. Filipinos are tired saying, "almost!" When can we reach the promised land?

The wounds of the last Busan Asian games 9 years ago are still fresh. The South Koreans edged us by a point- they emerged as champions beating China in the gold medal match. The Phillipines should have been the team that played China in that championship round. Not before that dagger of the South Korean player which stabbed the hearts of the Filipino basketball nation. Score was: Korea 69- Philippines 68, South Koreans advances to fight China with their Great Wall, NBA star center Yao Ming.

The top two teams will qualify in the Olympics which meant that China and South Korea qualified. All that is left for the Philippines is a heartbreak, who finished fourth in the Busan Asian Games. We were that close to clinching an Olympic berth. The Filipinos could have seen Asi Taulava in his prime challenge Yao Ming.

The past is the past. Let's just move on, focus on the future. With this new breed of players donning the National colors, let us pray, hope and trust our players. I know they can do it! The Philippine Team is composed of collegiate and amateur standouts  united by one goal, The 2012 London Olympics. The Philippines has focused on youth, playing together for a long time developing a sense of familiarity among players. This will result in cohesiveness in the offensive stretch. Headed by coach Rajko Toroman, the European style might just be the key for us to notch that Olympic berth.

With the current line-up, I think the Smart-Gilas is ready. With a few adjustments I think they can challenge Asian basketball powerhouses. I expect Marcus Douthit to be healthy and lead the Nationals along with JV Casio and Chris Tiu. I expect a total team effort, a smart, organized and efficient basketball this time.  I hope that the big men: Japeth Aguilar, Greg Slaughter, Jason Ballesteros will do their job in backing up Marcus Douthit. Rebounding and great defense should be a habit. Defense, Defense, Defense...the Philippines got to play hard defense. Knowing Asian countries are bannered by players taller than us, the big men will have a tough job. And for our shooters, they should find their spots and just continue shoting from the perimeter. The ball movement and outside shooting is already there, they just need to practice more to increase their percentage. Also we need to add an inside-outside game or post-up game, and thats what Marcus Douthit can provide. Let us just hope he stays healthy.

Passion. Intensity. For basketball and for country.

May God bless Philippine basketball. May God bless Philippine sports. Lets go SMART-GILAS!

Credits

Videos:
YouTube Videos
RP5Basketball-2002 Asian Games Philippines versus South Korea philippinebasketballteam part 1
preyes- Yao Ming vs. Asi Taulava (Part 2)
anubadapatpassword- Smart Gilas Highlights

Photos:

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