We can’t remember the last time SEA Games basketball has been this exciting.
Gilas Pilipinas is going into the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games looking to regain its basketball throne. But the path towards the crown is blocked by teams heavily reinforced by naturalized players and internationally-based cagers. And that includes defending champion Indonesia, which was Gilas’ tormentor in the last SEA Games.
The regional tilt is looking like it's no longer the lair of the Filipinos. Getting that gold is no longer a given.
And the members of the so-called Gilas "Redeem Team" are set to face multiple challenges along the way. Let’s zero in on individual cagers who promise to give coach Chot Reyes a headache, and the Gilas hoopers we hope to pit against these stars.
Justin Brownlee vs Lester Prosper (Indonesia)
Let’s start with arguably the top two players in the tourney. While they play different positions as Brownlee is a forward and Prosper struts as a legit big, both reinforcements have the ability to lead their teams to the Promised Land. It would be a delight to see these two high-caliber reinforcements exchange basketball haymakers, especially in a finals rematch.
Christian Standhardinger vs Brandon Peterson (Cambodia)
We’ve seen what Peterson offers when he helped the host country capture the 3x3 gold medal against Gilas. The 6-foot-8 naturalized Cambodian, whose status for the 5-on-5 event remains unclear, is a potent inside force and is agile enough to finish a fastbreak. How he’ll contend against the Fil-German forward known as The Bulldozer sparks a ton of curiosity. C-Stan will get a chance to avenge his Gilas 3x3 brothers against Peterson on May 11 as the Philippines and Cambodia battle in the group phase.
Chris Ross vs Anthony Beane Jr. (Indonesia)
Indonesia’s naturalized guard is expected to be an explosive speedster. And the best counter to a guy like that is assigning a defensive specialist on him like Ross. Let’s all have popcorn while watching a hardwood chess match between the crafty two-time PBA Finals MVP and the dynamic American-Indonesian.
Cjay Perez vs Sayeed Pridgett (Cambodia)
Perez versus Pridgett is a collision between two natural bucket-getters. An entertaining offensive duel might ensue if these two versatile scorers share the court, as Pridgett's status for 5-on-5 is still unclear, just like his 3x3 teammate Peterson. Cjay, though, could be in for a real tough battle against the 3x3 gold medal match leading scorer.
Calvin Oftana vs Tyler Lamb (Thailand)
Should Gilas meet Thailand in the crossover semis, we could see a thrilling showdown between Oftana and Lamb. Going up against each other could result into a defining moment for either guy. One of the Philippines best wings taking on Thailand’s top dog has the potential to go off.
Marcio Lassiter vs Moses Morgan (Thailand)
What do you get when two lights-out marksmen go at it? A shootout, of course. Let’s see whose long distance firepower will last longer. We all know how dangerous Lassiter is from deep. Morgan at 6-foot-6 could even be more lethal.
Mike Phillips vs Dame Diagne (Indonesia)
Seeing these two energy guys battle it out in the paint would be a treat. With two high-leaping bigs around, a rebound battle or a dunk-off could take place. That’s a big win for highlight-thirsty fans.
Before some of these exciting matchups transpire, Gilas must first take care of business in the group stage. In chronological order, the Philippines will face Malaysia, Cambodia, and Singapore, starting tomorrow.
(Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect that Brandon Peterson and Sayeed Pridgett are still not officially named to Cambodia's 5-on-5 squad.)
(GM)