With President Aquino delivering his 2nd State of the Nation Address, the Filipino basketball world unexpectedly got one too, as the improbable Smart (NBA) All Stars vs Smart Gilas Pilipinas became a reality. Here’s my basketball SONA, shortened, of course.

Sunday’s game was the first time the final pool of Smart Gilas players were suited up together. Only Ranidel de Ocampo, who was injured, didn’t play. Question is, with 15 players in the pool, who is losing a roster spot? Dylan Ababou and Jason Ballesteros are probably resigned to their fate, but who will be the last cut? Is Marc Barroca in trouble with Jimmy Alapag there or are Japeth’s defensive lapses costing him a spot? Is it simply too late to add Ranidel de Ocampo?

Coach Toroman’s system is good, reason # 243: Despite the presence of bonafide NBA superstars, the Gilas players showed nothing but determination throughout the game. They ran the same plays crisply and none were tempted to break from the system to showboat. In fact, the only players who seemed star struck were PBA vets Don Don Hontiveros and Jimmy Alapag.

It’s unfair to think that the game was “scripted” or the NBA Stars “took it easy (pinagbigyan).” Their play was way different from Saturday’s dunk-a-thon against the PBA selection. Kobe played a ton of minutes and went after every ball. Chris Paul seemed to be in pain yet played until the endgame. Overall, the NBA stars attempted less dunks and lazy 24 footers, and scored on plenty of offensive putbacks and post ups. Even Javale McGee couldn’t find the time to plank. By the 4th quarter, veterans Derek Fisher and Chris Paul were complaining to the refs and hitting guards Jvee Casio and Marcio Lassiter. Gilas executed well and played with a lot of gumption and they earned every bit of that 9 point loss.

It’s also unfair to say the PBA has become a bunch of has beens or “puro papogi (showboats).” The PBA selection never had time to play together so they had no plays. Resorting to one on one plays played right into the NBA’s hands, hence the 26 point shellacking. It is fair, however, to point out that that game is the perfect example of why the Gilas program must continue. PBA selections may be loaded with talent, but they will never have the time to prepare for years and no one can force them to since the PBA is a private enterprise.

Gilas players and coaches have all said it, and it is worth repeating. The best part about the game is not that they got to play NBA stars or that we got to see them. For 3 basketball minutes, the entire Araneta Coliseum was united behind Smart Gilas Pilipinas, chanting “Defense!” Compared to the last time they were playing in the same venue, where PBA die-hards were booing them, the 4th quarter of that game was a heartwarming moment. Those 3 minutes mean more to the Gilas players than people can ever imagine.

The best closing argument to defending the Gilas program ironically comes from the mouth of a foreigner. “You just have to support this team,” says 5-time NBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medallist Kobe Bryant. He called the team “talented” and he marvelled at their execution. Judging from the way Kobe scored and defended, it is easy to believe he meant every word.

Everyone’s thanking MVP for the “gift” of bringing the NBA players here, giving the country a rare chance to see NBA stars in their prime. We are better served to thank him for another thing too. The Ultimate All Star weekend also showed us a sight that has become all too rare. The weekend showed us a tough, strong, talented, and united National Basketball Team that will make us proud by playing the same proud and disciplined way, regardless of who the opponents are.

many thanks to united philippine basketball and rodney torres for the pictures

source: Sharwin L. Tee