The Gilas Pilipinas 'working pool', from where the Final Roster for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championships will be selected, has finally been released after a long wait. And instead of 26 names, it has 18 players, 16 of which are from the Philippine Basketball Association. So let's take a look at the pool and my guesses as to who would make the final cut.
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Centers
The centers named to the pool were Junmar Fajardo, Asi Taulava, and Sonny Thoss.
My picks: With Junemar not 100%, I'd only pick Asi Taulava from this list. At 6'7", Sonny Thoss is too small to play center in international competition. I am not giving up on hope that Fajardo will recuperate in time to join the national team in China. However, if Junemar really cannot play, Gilas may have to do with an undersized center yet again in international competition.
My picks: With Junemar not 100%, I'd only pick Asi Taulava from this list. At 6'7", Sonny Thoss is too small to play center in international competition. I am not giving up on hope that Fajardo will recuperate in time to join the national team in China. However, if Junemar really cannot play, Gilas may have to do with an undersized center yet again in international competition.
Power Forwards
Ranidel de Ocampo, Aldrech Ramos, Marc Pingris, Kelly Williams, naturalized player Andray Blatche, and PBA-bound Troy Rosario make up the list of power forwards in the Gilas pool.
My picks: Ranidel de Ocampo and Andray Blatche should be shoo-ins to make the final roster. I am also rooting for the 6'7" Troy Rosario to make the final cut. I will expect Blatche to start at center and we might see him play with Asi when coach Tab decides to go big in some games.
Kelly Williams is not just the same Kelly Williams we saw compete in 2011. Marc Pingris might come in too late from his trip to France. And I personally feel that what Aldrech Ramos can bring to Gilas, RDO can too and much more.
My picks: Ranidel de Ocampo and Andray Blatche should be shoo-ins to make the final roster. I am also rooting for the 6'7" Troy Rosario to make the final cut. I will expect Blatche to start at center and we might see him play with Asi when coach Tab decides to go big in some games.
Kelly Williams is not just the same Kelly Williams we saw compete in 2011. Marc Pingris might come in too late from his trip to France. And I personally feel that what Aldrech Ramos can bring to Gilas, RDO can too and much more.
Small Forwards
At the small forward spot, Gabe Norwood is returning and is named alongside Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Calvin Abueva, and JC Intal.
My picks: Gabe Norwood, Calvin Abueva, and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser. These small forwards will play a key role in Gilas' campaign. Their versatility to be able to play multiple positions will be a plus for Team Pilipinas. Due to the shortage of guards in this pool, I will expect Norwood to play some Point Guard, a position he is used to playing when he was in college.
Shooting Guards
Shooting guards in the pool include Gary David, Dondon Hontiveros, and Terrence Romeo.
My picks: Dondon Hontiveros is the best pure shooter in this pool and should easily make the lineup. I will also pick Terrence Romeo and would expect him to see time at the point guard spot as he might also be too small to play shooting guard at the international level.
Point Guards
Looking to man the point for Gilas are Jayson Castro William and LA Tenorio. Jimmy Alapag hinted that he might also come out of retirement.
My picks: Jayson Castro William should be a no-brainer. He was Asia's best point guard in 2013 and has been playing great basketball consistently. With LA Tenorio unsure of joining, I won't be surprised to see Jimmy Alapag come out of retirement and don the national colors once more.
My Guess on the Final Roster
My guess for the final roster would be:
Center | Sonny Thoss | 6'7" |
Center | Asi Taulava | 6'9" |
Power Forward/Center | Andray Blatche | 6'11" |
Power Forward | Ranidel De Ocampo | 6'5" |
Power Forward | Troy Rosario | 6'7" |
Small Forward | Calvin Abueva | 6'1" |
Small Forward | Matt Ganuelas-Rosser | 6'4" |
Small Forward | Gabe Norwood | 6'5" |
Shooting Guard | Dondon Hontiveros | 6'3" |
Shooting Guard | Terrence Romeo | 5'11" |
Point Guard | Jayson Castro William | 5'11" |
Point Guard | Jimmy Alapag | 5'8" |
Projected Starting Five
My projected starting five would be: Andray Blatche at center, Ranidel De Ocampo at power forward, Gabe Norwood at small forward, Dondon Hontiveros at shooting guard, and Jayson Castro William at point guard.