CHICAGO — It’s that FIBA window time of the year again when Filipino hoops fans plunge into a descent of sadness.
The feelings have become too familiar: Heartbreak. Anxiety. A desperation for hugs.
Unfortunately, years of experienced trauma have taught us the resilience to shelter our feelings until another cycle decimates the fragile cover.
READ Cone impressed, encouraged by growth of Gilas' young core
Often, we lean on silver linings as a means to cope. But in the July 3 debacle against New Zealand, what we found instead was visceral evidence of a potential breakthrough.
After several unanswered prayers, the basketball gods have finally blessed Gilas Pilipinas with a roster of young stars who wield both the skill and know-how to excel in the international field.
OVERSEAS ELITES.
Amid the rubble of an achy 106-102 double OT loss, Juan Gomez de Liano shone as a dazzling spectacle.
The 26-year old veteran of the Korean and Lituanian leagues starred with four assists and 23 points on 4-of-9 shooting from 3.
Kevin Quiambao, the 25-year old former NBA Summer League hopeful and now a Goyang Sono Skygunner, drilled 23 points.
Carl Tamayo, 25, and a staple with the Changwon LG Sakers, sizzled with 17 points in 25 minutes and 47 seconds of action.
Then there’s Japan B.League regular Dwight Ramos, 27 and proven, who casually brandished 18 points, four rebounds and three assists.
NEW GENERATION.
JGdL, KQ and Tamayo made me not miss CJ Perez, Scottie Thompson and Calvin Oftana, all of whom have contributed greatly to the national team.
Great as the effort versus the Tall Blacks was, some issues need to be resolved. Such as the lack of size in lieu of the absence of Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown.
Missing that combined 14 feet and 478 pounds of muscle will be a problem in succeeding windows.
New Zealand unleashed a full-court press, 94 feet of relentless terror that dulled Gilas’ triangle offense in a way where the passing lanes were clogged.
Coach Tim Cone has his work cut out for him.
Ranked sixth in the world by FIBA, I fear that Australia, which is up next on Monday, will rely on its physicality and elite defense to beat the 36th-ranked Philippines.
And that’s ok.
Setbacks can be a positive tool for learning, which is why medicines are bitter and uneasy to swallow.
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