Gilas Pilipinas took home the silver medal in the 2015 William Jones Cup, showing more chemistry on the floor and strengthening their bonds off the floor.
Prior to flying for Taipei, Gilas head coach Tab Baldwin said he was only looking for improvement, regardless of whether they place high or win a lot of games.
Baldwin says the silver medal finish “is a commendation that we performed pretty well and out-performed other teams that had much more stable lineups and more significant preparation” although the Gilas mentor is still looking for more improvements as the team prepares for the FIBA Asia Championship about three weeks from now.
“I hope we have not seen what we are capable of doing yet. What we have seen is improvement. They really come together. There is a really strong bond. We are still working on our on-court chemistry. It needs to improve. It is not bad and certainly better than it was in Estonia but there are still many weaknesses and points of attack for other teams. With time as short as it is, we have to continue working on that,” he said.
Baldwin added: “That was a respectable outcome. But I can’t rate it as something more than respectable. It is not my nature to applaud second-best. As a coach it is not tolerable for me. But given everything that surrounded the team, the circumstances, I think the performance is there and was very good.”
Alapag may not join Gilas coaching staff
Baldwin revealed on Wednesday night that Jimmy Alapag may not join the coaching staff of Gilas Pilipinas. Baldwin said he spoke with the many-time national team member about the decision.
“I spoke with Jimmy today and his preference is since he will be back in the league next year, he does not feel it is appropriate that he is coaching guys that he might be competing against on the floor. So that is a new development for me. The intention was because of his injury he cannot make the squad so we (want to) bring him back in (the coaching staff) but we discussed it and we will continue to discuss that,” Baldwin said.
The mentor added he respects Alapag’s decision although personally wants Alapag to help in any possible way as they gear for the FIBA Asia Championship.
“There is some sense in what he said for sure but I feel he is an important part of the Gilas program. We want to make way to continue to help us out with his experience and credibility,” he said.
David, Rosario continue training despite cut
Gary David and Troy Rosario continue to train for Gilas although they are not part of the final 12, primarily to give the team additional bodies and to serve as replacements if ever Gilas would need some.
Baldwin is honored to have them continue participating in Gilas practice.
“We need the extra bodies in practice. They are great servants. One’s got a great future and one’s got a great past. We are honored that both of them and their clubs allow us to keep them and do our job. And their can be injuries. So we have (an extra) big and a guard so if somebody goes down then we have the right kind of player available,” Baldwin shared.
The FIBA Asia tournament allows replacements during the tournament for a corresponding fee as long as the players will come from the initial 24-man list submitted by teams.
Baldwin adds Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario will most likely play for the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters in the MVP Cup then Gilas will take it day by day.
MVP Cup schedule
The Master Game Face MVP Cup shall start on Friday, September 11 to further give Gilas Pilipinas chances to improve on their game.
Below is the schedule of the 4-team pocket tournament. All games will be played at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
September 11
4:15 PM Wellington Saints (New Zealand) vs Chinese Taipei
7:00 PM Gilas Pilipinas vs Talk ‘N Text
September 12
3:00 PM Talk ‘N Text vs Chinese Taipei
5:00 PM Wellington Saints vs Gilas Pilipinas
September 13
3:00 PM Wellington Saints vs Talk ‘N Text
5:00 PM Gilas Pilipinas vs Chinese Taipei
