CHICAGO - Dwight Ramos gave the most sensible assessment of the Gilas Pilipinas versus Taiwan Mustangs friendly on Monday night at the PhilSports Arena.
"It was less about the [74-64] win, " he told reporters. "We're just trying to work on stuff, get some conditioning."
Spot on.
Gilas assembled at the Inspire Academy last June 21 to prepare for two Olympic Qualifying Tournament assignments in Latvia this July 3 and 4.
Which means that in the space of 12 days, Gilas will somehow put together a few decent practice sessions and three exhibition games before engaging in actual competition with so much at stake.
On top of that, there's potential jetlag issues for our players who will navigate the 9,000-plus kilometer trek from Manila to Latvia.
"Health and conditioning are the two most crucial factors that will determine our success in this upcoming campaign," a former national team coach who spoke on the condition of anonymity told me over the phone.
I don't think a three-day camp in Laguna with only 12 bodies can result in meaningful, productive practices that will sufficiently address concerns on tournament readiness.
NO ONE'S FAULT. ITS JUST HOW THINGS ARE SET UP.
This is not a knock on the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) or the Gilas coaching staff. Players' availability and the PBA calendar will continue to hinder Gilas' preparations moving forward.
How that giant obstacle can be moved is above my pay grade. But there is much to be optimistic on the leadership of SBP president Al Panlilio and executive director Erika Dy.
As for the Taiwan game, there were few surprises.
Coach Tim Cone ran the triangle offense with modest success. A 74-point output is not exactly an explosion you'd expect from an offense made famous by the Chicago Bulls in the 90s.
When the Mustangs applied the zone press, it slowed down the game's pace and cut significant time off for Gilas to set their offense in motion.
Taiwan's halfcourt zone also punctuated the importance of having great outside shooters such as Roger Pogoy, Scottie Thompson and Jamie Malonzo.
If we struggled a little bit against the zone press and halfcourt zone of the Mustangs, can you imagine the mayhem that the taller and longer players from No.4-ranked Latvia and No.23-ranked Georgia will inflict?
"We need to run in transition. We have to get CJ Perez and Chris Newsome some track shoes," the coach added.
PACKED ARENA.
Even though the trio of former NBA players in the Mustangs roster didn't play, it was obvious that the fans came to the PhilSports Arena to see Gilas.
They came in droves and hundreds, if not thousands, had to be turned away for safety reasons and to satisfy permit restrictions, I was told.
Laban. Puso.
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