Smart Gilas shows might vs pro teams

source: June Navarro | inquirer.net

Impressive on tune-up games with top PBA ballclubs, Smart Gilas Pilipinas showed that teams couldn’t take the national squad for granted in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

 


Smart Gilas defeated the Alaska Aces, San Miguel Beermen, Meralco Bolts and forced the Barangay Ginebra Kings into a draw, an auspicious sign of things to come when the Nationals begin their tour of duty in the pro league against the Talk N Text Tropang Texters at the Ynares Center on Friday.

We’re looking good, we haven’t lost a game yet in four tune-up matches against PBA teams,” said Smart Gilas captain Chris Tiu.

Named Best Wingman in the Dubai Invitational last month when Smart Gilas finished second, Tiu pointed out that their only concern are the minor injuries bugging some of his teammates and players’ academic commitments.

Tiu said point guard JV Casio hurt his groin and remained doubtful on Friday’s game while 6-foot-9 forward Japeth Aguilar has yet to completely recuperate from the knee injury he sustained before the Guangzhou Asian Games in November.

Seven-footer Greg Slaughter and forward Aldrech Ramos have school commitments to fulfill with Ateneo and Far Eastern U.

But we’re all excited on our return stint in the PBA. This week we’ll begin to taper off,” said Tiu, a former Ateneo standout.

Smart Gilas is using the PBA experience to sharpen its skills for the Fiba Asia Championship in Wuhan, China, on Sept. 15 to 25. The champion in the 16-nation tournament earns a ticket to the 2012 London Olympics.

“Generally, the team is in high spirits. We know it will be tough playing in the pros but we’re confident we can hold our own,” said Smart Gilas manager Frankie Lim.

Marcus Douthit, awaiting President Aquino’s signature to secure his Filipino citizenship, could exploit the shaded area with his 6-foot-10 frame opposite the imports of other teams, all of whom stand not taller than 6-foot-4.

“I’m sure we’ll be toughened up by the games in the PBA. It will help us a lot in our preparation,” said Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman.

Other members of the team are co-team captain Mark Barroca, Marcio Lassiter, Mac Baracael, Jason Ballesteros, Chris Lutz and Dylan Ababou.

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