TNT active consultant Mark Dickel expressed excitement over the opportunity to steer the wheel for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers’ first window in February.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas appointed the Kiwi tactician on Wednesday to man the sidelines for the Nationals in next month’s tilt on an interim basis.
“Just excited with the opportunity to coach a whole lot of players that maybe I haven’t had a chance to be around, and learn how they play better.”
Dickel has a rich talent pool at his disposal — a “hybrid” pool, since it is a mixture of youth and experience.
Isaac Go, Allyn Bulanadi, Matt and Mike Nieto, and Rey Suerte — the special Gilas picks in the 2019 PBA Rookie Draft last December — are the first members of the roster.
Thirdy Ravena, Jaydee Tungcab, Gomez De Liaño brothers Juan and Javi, Dave Ildefonso, Ateneo recruit Dwight Ramos, Justine Baltazar, and Kobe Paras were then named to the pool afterward.
Meanwhile, PBA stars Marc Pingris, Kiefer Ravena, CJ Perez, Roger Pogoy, Troy Rosario, Japeth Aguilar, Christian Standhardinger, Matthew Wright, Mac Belo, Poy Erram, and Ray Parks round up the squad.
“I’m excited. Good group of guys. Whoever gets in on that team out of the twenty-four players, we’re gonna have a really good team. Really excited,” said the former two-time Olympian.
Preparations are expected to start early February, and the constant problem Gilas has been facing might rear its ugly head yet again — the turnout of attendance during practices.
Dickel is aware of the issue, but that is the least of his concerns. “I just focus on the stuff that I can control,” he said.
“Of the twenty-four players, we got a lot of good players there. We’re gonna be able to assemble a really good team, and a team that’s gonna be able to develop for the future,” he added.
“So I’m not worried about that, man. I’m just focused on who’s on the court, and we’ll get ready to go to battle.”
The federation has said that they plan to name a full-time coach by the second window on November. For Dickel, should Gilas do well next month, he hopes that he can coach the national team again.
“I’m gonna come in and do the best I can. Hopefully, when we win, I get a chance to do it again,” said the 43-year-old from New Zealand.
“So that’s the kind of approach I’m taking.”
