They possess a skill set that fits the international game.
Gilas Pilipinas proved that the Philippines still rules basketball in the region as they reclaimed the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold in Cambodia earlier this month. A couple of Gilas members who participated in the biennial meet also proved their worth, so much so that they are now in consideration to be included in the talent pool that’s gearing up for the FIBA World Cup.
Remember, majority of the players that were sent to the regional competition weren’t regular members of the national team. The truth is they got the call because the big names weren’t available. Among those who stepped up to the challenge were Marcio Lassiter and Arvin Tolentino.
According to Chot Reyes, the two cagers’ solid outings in Phnom Penh have now resulted in their possible inclusion in Gilas’ plans for FIBA’s flagship event.
“We’re really discussing it seriously,” Reyes told Noli Eala on the sports show Power and Play.
Lassiter hit some big shots for the Philippines on the road to regaining the gold medal, but what really caught the eye of the Gilas coach was the San Miguel Beermen star’s superb defense.
“We know how good a shooter he [Lassiter] is, but he really played some stellar defense in the semis,” Coach Chot explained.
“We had him guard [Brandon] Jawato of Indonesia, and then si Oscar Lopes of Cambodia. And he really did a great job against both of them.”
What Super Marcio did was no small feat as both Jawato and Lopes were among their respective squads’ top gunners. As for Gilas forward Arvin Tolentino, the never-back-down attitude he had against much bigger opponents was what impressed Reyes the most.
“Arvin Tolentino, because nung down na tayo ng 20 against Cambodia, siya ‘yung pumalag,” the veteran tactician recalled.
When Gilas lost to the Cambodians in the group stage, Tolentino’s toughness was one of the silver linings for the Filipino contingent. And as the Philippines won the crown, the stretch four’s grit was again on full display, which was much appreciated by the Gilas mentor.
“I think that was very important. Alam mo ‘yung mga Pinoy style na talagang, ‘Sige palitan tayo ng mukha kung gusto mo.’ Mga gano’ng style,” Reyes elaborated.
For the concurrent Gilas program director, Lassiter and Tolentino have earned a shot at representing the country in basketball’s grandest stage.
“That certainly puts them in the conversation for the final pool,” Reyes confirmed.
(GM)