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COMMENTARY: After FIBA World Cup debacle, Gilas trending positive

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Eric Menk

<p>In the wake of Gilas Pilipinas’ dismal finish in the 2019 FIBA World Cup (32nd place out of 32 teams), it was obvious that there needed to be some changes to the Gilas program if we desired to be more competitive in world international competition. I even posted a video on my YouTube channel, offering my top 5 suggestions for the Gilas program. Judging from the over 30,000 views and 400-plus comments my video received, this is a topic that needs to be discussed. This is a topic basketball fans in the Philippines are passionate about. So let’s take a look at what has transpired since Gilas played their last game in the FIBA World Cup on September 8th.</p><div><strong>Yeng Guiao steps down as Gilas head coach</strong></div><p>On Wednesday, September 11, coach Yeang Guaio resigned as the head coach of Gilas Pilipinas. Coach Yeng took over the Gilas program right after the infamous Gilas-Boomers “basket-brawl” game, where our reputation around the world was at a low point. Our roster was also significantly depleted because of the suspensions FIBA handed down. Despite this, coach Yeng still ably guided us to a World Cup spot. Make no mistake about it, just to qualify for the FIBA World Cup for the Philippines is an accomplishment. With little time to prepare because of the PBA schedule and a depleted roster because of injuries and invite turndowns, our performance at the FIBA World Cup wasn’t good. Let’s also keep in mind that the Andray Blatche of 2014 wasn’t the Andray Blatche of 2019.</p><p>I wish we could have found a way to win that Angola game. I wish we could have found a way to be more competitive against Tunisia and Iran. Unfortunately, those things didn’t happen. Still, we should be thankful for coach Yeng’s service and sacrifice in leading our countries Gilas program during a trying time. As thankful as I am to coach Yeng, it was clearly time for a change.</p><div><strong>Talks of Tab Baldwin rejoining to Gilas as program director</strong></div><p>It was clear to me at the FIBA World Cup that we need someone in a leadership role at Gilas that is familiar with the FIBA international game. There were times when Italy and Serbia looked so far advanced from us that they appeared to almost be playing a different sport.</p><p>If we are not open to hiring a foreign coach, an adviser, a consultant, or a “program director” should be strongly considered if we want to compete better at the world level. Tab Baldwin is very familiar with the FIBA international game. He has had success coaching both locally and internationally. He has led other national programs in the past. He currently lives in the Philippines. I couldn’t think of a better person for the “program director” position than coach Tab. When the news broke on September 22 that talks have begun to bring coach Tab back in this new role, Baldwin quickly shot it down. Coach Tab is busy right now trying to win his third UAAP championship in a row at Ateneo. Plus, I’m sure there are a lot of details to be ironed out before an official announcement can be made. However, the fact that the SBP recognizes coach Tab as a valuable resource and have already initiated talks with Baldwin is positive step in improving our Gilas program.</p><div><strong>Coach Tim Cone is announced as new Gilas Pilipinas head coach for the SEA Games</strong></div><p>On September 23, with the position vacant, the SBP announced that Tim Cone as the new head coach of Gilas Pilipinas for the 2019 SEA Games. Tim Cone! The winningest basketball coach in PBA history! This is obviously a great choice by the SBP and it is another positive step for Gilas.</p><p>While this is positive, it is unclear how long Tim Cone will continue as the Gilas head coach after the SEA Games. But we needed a coach for the SEA Games and we got a good one. It is the SEA Games though and regardless of who the head coach is, we should be the heavy favorites to win that tournament. It’s important to win that tournament, but let’s see what happens in the months after the SEA Games. However, getting Tim Cone in the on board is a big plus for Gilas.</p><div><strong>SBP announces 15-man Gilas pool for 2019 SEA Games</strong></div><p>On September 26, the SBP announced their 15-man training pool of the 2019 SEA Games, which the Philippines is hosting. A lot of people questioned why younger players such as CJ Perez and Robert Bolick were excluded for the pool. Tim Cone explained that having only 8 sessions to train his group, he wanted older players that are familiar with his system. Agree with that or not, I think we have a coach and roster to dominate the SEA Games come December.</p><p>-o0o-</p><p>There are still a lot of questions that need answering regarding the Gilas program moving forward. Will Tab Baldwin actually come on board as the “program director”? Will Tim Cone be involved long term? Will the SMB, MVP &amp; PBA groups work together finally to provide the best opportunities and resources available for Gilas to be successful?</p><p>Nobody liked our World Cup performance earlier this month. Fixing that isn’t going to be easy. There is still a lot of planning and work to be done. We are less than a month detached from the World Cup. But, hearing that there are discussions with Tab Baldwin, having Tim Cone coaching Gilas at the 2019 SEA Games, and seeing a training pool comprised of both SMC and MVP group players, has, in my opinion, Gilas trending positive.</p><div><strong>For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.</strong></div>

<p>New coach. Familiar players out. Let’s take a look at what has transpired since Gilas' disappointing finish in China.</p>

New coach. Familiar players out. Let’s take a look at what has transpired since Gilas' disappointing finish in China.