Smart Gilas was built exactly for the 2011 FIBA Asia tourney with the goal of getting a Gold medal and subsequently Olympic berth. Although they weren't able to nab a medal, Smart Gilas' stint at the 2011 FIBA Asia tourney in Wuhan received alot of praise. Nearly reaching the finals, Gilas was deemed a successful program by most.
While I also consider Gilas' stint at the 2011 FIBA Asia tourney a success and believe that each and every one of Gilas' players deserve praise, I for one, do not attribute their success to the long-term program. Most people may be asking how could I say such a thing, so I will enumerate my arguments against the long-term national team program.
1. Marcus Douthit was the key to success, not the long-term program
For a long time, the only thing missing for the Philippine National Basketball team has been a dominant force down low. Philippine center Marcus Douthit was one of the best players of the tournament, with averages of 22 points and 12 rebounds per game. He also fills a hole that the Philippine Team has needed for years. Marcus is by far the most important member of the team.
2. The performance of Jimmy Alapag, Ranidel de Ocampo and Kelly Williams
Late additions to the team, Jimmy Alapag, Ranidel de Ocampo and Kelly Williams all played crucial roles. Kelly and Ranidel alternated as the starting power forward and Jimmy got the lion's share of minutes at the point guard spot. Jimmy ended up as the third leading scorer of Gilas and was second in assists to JV Casio by a small margin. Ranidel ended up as the fifth best scorer and rebounder. Kelly Williams was the fourth best rebounder of the team.
3. A long-term pool will force the team to employ mostly amateur players
Smart Gilas was composed of mostly amateur players who are just now turning pro. One of the problems with this is that there is always the possibility that an excellent player in college may not be as good when playing against pros or simply put a bust. Chris Tiu and Japeth Aguilar, to me atleast, were some of the central players of the Smart Gilas' program. Although both are good players, they have limitations that have been exposed in the international game.
Amateur players also lack the experience that veterans have. I believe this was apparent in the latter stages of the 2011 FIBA Asia tournament. I believe the Philippine team may have been in the finals, or at least get the bronze medal, had a more mature, experience team been playing.
But of course there is also the problem of actually getting the pros to play for the national team..
