Gilas Pilipinas have struggled with availability with its big men throughout several tournaments, but at least there's no shortage in the guard positions.
Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes may have headaches with Japeth Aguilar and Kai Sotto being unavailable for the final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, but he won't have the same problem in the guard rotation. Coach Chot has plenty to choose from and there lies the "good problem."
The current pool has PBA Most Valuable Player Scottie Thompson, Gilas Pilipinas veterans Cjay Perez, Kiefer Ravena, Chris Newsome, RR Pogoy, Ray Parks and Jordan Heading.
Newcomers Schonny Winston and Jerom Lastimosa also bring a new dynamic to the national team.
Lastimosa himself was being eyed by coach Chot to play a "Jayson Castro role" for Gilas.
The Adamson Soaring Falcons standout knows he has to fight for a spot in the final lineup. But he's not worried one bit with the guard logjam in the national team pool. Lastimosa even uses it to his advantage.
"Madaming guards pero mas maganda 'yun kasi mas madami akong matututunan sa kanila," Lastimosa said during Monday's Gilas Pilipinas practice.
The 24-year-old point guard, who led Adamson to the UAAP Season 85 Final Four, said he can contribute well on both ends of the floor.
"Ang madadala ko sa team na 'to, both sa offense and defense. Kung ano man 'yung kulang sa team is gagawin ko 'yun."
Instead of worrying if he will get cut, Lastimosa is using his Gilas Pilipinas experience to further improve his game, which he said will definitely help in his final year in the collegiate scene, and beyond.
"Malaking bagay 'yun sa pagbalik ko sa UAAP, kasi makaka-experience ako ng ganitong league, big league. Maa-adopt ko siya pagdating sa UAAP."