With heads unbowed

The Philippine team finished 10th of 12 at the recent FIBA-Asia Women’s Championships in Chennai, India, but didn’t really do too badly, posting a 3-2 record and beating Level II leader Malaysia in the process.

The tournament format split the 12 teams into two levels or divisions. The first division was made up of China, Korea, Japan, Chinese-Taipei, Thailand and India. The second division was composed of Malaysia, Lebanon, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka. At the end of the round-robin eliminations, the top two teams from Level II played the last two teams from Level I to determine if they would be elevated for the next championships.

As it turned out, China beat Korea, 91-71, for the title and Japan tripped Chinese-Taipei, 72-57, for third place. Level II’s Lebanon was promoted after defeating Thailand, 83-58 while India retained its spot in the first division by thwarting Malaysia, 90-74.

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The Philippines was the only Level II team to beat Malaysia, 61-55. Malaysia ironically topped Level II with a 4-1 record, tying Lebanon but clinched the No. 1 spot by virtue of the winner-over-the-other rule. The Philippines also downed Uzbekistan, 81-73, and Sri Lanka, 70-55. Coach Haydee Ong’s “Discovery” squad, backed by Ruben and Cynthia Tiu (their nephew is Chris Tiu), lost only twice – to Lebanon, 78-54 and Kazakhstan, 71-52.

Three players averaged in double figures – 5-7 forward Ewon Arayi (15.8), 5-foot guard Pixie Valencia (15.0) and 5-9 forward Chovi Borja (11.2). The top rebounder was six-foot center Cassy Tioseco (6.2) and No. 1 in assists was 5-2 point guard Ford Crajales (2.8).

Others in the team were 5-3 Susie Bambico, 5-6 Rem Buenacosa, 5-7 Mat Gadian, 5-7 Diane Jose, 5-9 Khel Lomogda, 5-10 Che Lubiano, 5-4 Badeth Mercado, 5-6 Saki de los Reyes and 5-10 Fatz Tolentino.

Nine of the players are 25 and below, meaning Ong has youth on her side. No Fil-Am was recruited for the team.

Comparing the Philippines’ stats with China’s shows glaring disparities. The Philippines averaged 63.6 points, compared to China’s 87.9, and shot .394 from two-point range (China hit .568), .215 from triple distance (.380 by China) and .664 from the line (.844 by China).

A future recruit may be Fil-Am guard Jessica de la Cruz, a 5-8 guard recently enlisted by the University of Alaska at Anchorage. De la Cruz averaged 13.1 points, 3.7 assists and 2.3 steals for San Joaquin Delta College as a sophomore last season, leading the Mustangs to a 27-6 record and a runner-up finish at the California Junior College state tournament. She was the Big 8 Conference MVP and first team All-State awardee. A deadeye from outside, de la Cruz shot 42 percent from three-point range.

At Galt High School, de la Cruz averaged 16.9 points as a senior and was named to the prestigious Sacramento Optimist All-Star team.

“Jessica has a great basketball IQ and will fit right into what we need in our program,” said Alaska coach Tim Moser who has piloted the Seawolves to consecutive NCAA Division II Final Four appearances. “She is a proven winner who will provide intelligence and skill to our team. She loves basketball and that will be contagious for her teammates. We are excited to have her join our Seawolf family.”

De la Cruz has expressed interest to play for the Philippines in international competitions.

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Before playing in Chennai, the “Discovery” team kept itself busy playing in local and foreign tournaments. The squad entered an all-male barangay tournament in Valenzuela and finished with a 3-3 record, losing twice in overtime. The exposure going up against taller and physical men taught Ong’s cagebelles to play smarter and tougher.

Late last year, the team saw action at the Singapore Women Invitationals. The Philippines beat the Malaysian national squad and the Ruby Classic Club of Malaysia but lost to Singapore. The quotient system worked to the Philippines’ advantage and the team was crowned champion. Ong also took the team to Shanghai for a series of exhibition games, registering a 4-3 mark compared to 1-4 when the girls played in China previously.

Last summer, the “Discovery” team played in the juniors division of the Fr. Martin Cup.

To prepare for Chennai, the team practiced twice a day for its biggest tournament in two years. Despite placing only 10th, there is a lot to hope for with the Philippine team.

But the way to get better must be well thought out. A program similar to what the SBP has formulated for the Smart-Gilas developmental team should be considered. Leaving the door open for Fil-Am recruits, an approach used before, would help.

Ong, 39, was head coach of the Lyceum and Immaculate Concepcion Academy varsities and now calls the shots for the Ateneo women’s team. Her assistants on the national team are strength and conditioning coach Patrick Esmundo, former PBA cager Conrad Pasco, Aileen Lebornio, Gina Francisco and Ron Camara.