Philippine basketball legend and multi-time Gilas Pilipinas member Jimmy Alapag presented the Gilas final 12 for the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in a special show and press conference at the TV5 studios on Sunday.
Alapag says trimming a team down to its final 12 is always a tough, but he also believes LA Tenorio and Calvin Abueva, the last two players to get cut off Gilas’ pool, are professional enough.
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“In any time a team has to be trimmed down, it’s always tough. I can’t imagine how tough the decision was for coach Tab (Baldwin) and hia staff. But at the same time, as a player, you know it’s a possibility. You just go out there and give your best effort and that’s really credit to all those guys. All 14 of them for really playing their heart and soul for the country,” Alapag said.
Alapag felt bad ultimately for Tenorio, with whom he had played with for Gilas 2.0 in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship and 2014 World Cup of Basketball and was also his roommate during training camps.
“Of course, I feel bad for LA. LA is my guy. We spent a lot of nights together as roommates, talking about basketball, about life, about family. I would love to have seen him out there one more time, but again, it’s tough, but LA is a consummate pro. I know he is supporting the guys full force,” Alapag shared.
Alapag added it is up to the Gilas 12 step in for Abueva’s role.
“Calvin, we were only teammates for a short time last year when I was helping Gilas. But all know what he brings to the table. He is one of the guys that when you think of puso, he comes to mind right away. He will be missed. It’s up to the other guys to step in and bring what Calvin what could have brought,” he said.
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Alapag also said he is excited for the team, since they will be playing in a “prestigious tournament” at home. He said the final roster is versatile and has a good balance between veterans and newcomers.
“I don’t know exactly what traits they are looking for, for each coach they have their own style or own perspective of what they think will help the team be successful,” Alapag said.
“But I think if you look at this team again, it is a very versatile team. Guys are capable of playing multiple positions, and it’s still with the core. That’s going to be important as well with the new players. It’s a great balance. I couldn’t be more excited with the guys. I’ll be cheering with the other hundred million Filipinos all over the world.”
