In a hypothetical matchup, Gilas we reckon will put up a good fight.
As the FIBA World Cup draws near, the hoops world is finally getting a better idea as to which players will be playing for which teams.
For example, we already know Luka Doncic will play for Slovenia, while Rui Hachimura and Yuka Watanabe are likely to suit up for Japan. The 2023 NBA Draft’s first overall pick, Victor Wembanyama, reportedly wants to play for France as well, while Giannis Antetokounmpo looks ready to represent Greece.
We also know that Team USA is all but complete, but will likely be devoid of the biggest names in hoops. Our very own Gilas Pilipinas is also down to a 21-man pool, and with a few either still injured or still recovering from injury, we pretty much have an idea as to who will ultimately comprise the national team.
All that got us thinking: What if Gilas faced the world’s more fancied teams, like Team USA, for instance? Who would guard who? How would we fare?
And so we again put our analyst’s hat on to break down some hypothetical Gilas versus the world matchups, starting with a date with, yes, the Americans.
Here goes nothing:
Scottie Thompson vs Jalen Brunson
Thompson’s all-around chops will likely earn him starting point guard duties for Gilas, and his defense will be tested by Brunson, who had a breakthrough postseason for the New York Knicks in the 2023 playoffs. The 6-foot-1 PBA MVP, though, won’t back down from the 6-foot-2 lefty and might even play him to a draw or something close to it.
Dwight Ramos vs Anthony Edwards
The only Gilas player never to miss a FIBA window, Ramos will be tested by one of the NBA’s emerging superstars in Edwards, who will likely try to take charge for Team USA. The good news for the 6-foot-4 Ramos is that he isn’t giving away too much physically against the 6-foot-5 Edwards. Not that The Saint will stop Edwards entirely, but he has a fighting chance to make things difficult for Edwards at the very least.
Jordan Clarkson vs Mikal Bridges
We’re assuming here that Clarkson will be the pick as Gilas’ naturalized player, and his matchup with Bridges will surely be fun. Both are offensively gifted and defensively lacking, though Clarkson appears to have a bigger, more diverse “bag” than Bridges. He probably wins this battle.
Japeth Aguilar vs Brandon Ingram
Aguilar’s experience probably nets him a spot in Gilas’ final 12, and he will have his hands full versus the 6-foot-10 Ingram. But he may very well have enough length and athleticism to at least bother Ingram, who will probably be among Team USA’s main men, along with Edwards.
Kai Sotto vs Jaren Jackson Jr.
Our assumption here, again, is best-case, and we are of the belief that Sotto will join Gilas eventually. And he’d make for a formidable counterpart to Jackson, who has never been known for his scoring. A stronger, more experienced Sotto might just have enough to do the same things Jackson does well—rebound and block shots.
Kiefer Ravena vs Tyrese Haliburton
Of course, Tito Kiefer is making this hypothetical team! And what he lacks in height versus Haliburton, he will try to make up for with bulk and savvy (a.k.a. gulang). But that probably won’t be enough against an All-Star like Haliburton, who has emerged as one of the NBA’s rising stars at point guard.
Jamie Malonzo vs Austin Reaves
In a battle of terrific athletes, Reaves has the advantage nonetheless as he is faster, quicker, and shiftier. He is also better in most every way, particularly on offense. But Malonzo has the physical tools to at least not make this too much of a mismatch.
The verdict: Team USA wins, but Gilas puts up a fight
The reality is that the Team USA we will be seeing come August is not the best the Americans have to offer. It might not even be the second- or third-best squad the US can send. Between that and a lack of preparation, it stands to reason that a full-strength Gilas can put up a good fight, especially on its home court.
But a win? That might be pushing things too far—even for a hypothetical scenario.