Douthit-led Gilas aims for Commish Cup final

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas Pilipinas is looking forward to its return trip to the PBA, confident of its title chances this time around against the league’s leading teams in the Commissioners Cup.

“We’re excited to play in the PBA again and we’re a little optimistic of our chances,” said Smart Gilas team captain Chris Tiu during Monday night’s practice at The Arena in San Juan City.

With naturalization candidate Marcus Douthit now blending well with the Nationals, Smart Gilas is eyeing no less than a crack at the championship in the league’s upcoming conference. 

The 6-10 Douthit powered Smart Gilas to a runner-up finish in the recent Dubai Invitational, losing to Al Etihad Alexandria of Egypt in the finals.

With Douthit around, the Nationals hope to improve their 4-7 (win-loss) finish in the 2009 PBA conference.

“Marcus is the guy we wanted – tall, can defend and score and most importantly, has a good attitude and chemistry with the team,” said Tiu.

Unlike in its previous PBA stint as a guest squad, Smart Gilas will now play as a regular team, taking over the slot of Red Bull.

To toughen them up, the Nationals are scheduled to play a couple of PBA teams this week – against the Meralco Bolts today at the Meralco gym in Pasig City and against the Brgy. Ginebra Kings tomorrow.

“Smart Gilas is ready but we would need these games to really be ready when the PBA second conference unfolds,” said Smart Gilas team manager Frankie Lim.

Aside from Douthit and Tiu, also seeing action are Mark Barroca, JV Casio, Marcio Lassiter, Dylan Ababou, Greg Slaughter, Aldrech Ramos, Chris Lutz and Japeth Aguilar, back in harness after sustaining a knee injury.

Lim said they will not mind if the PBA will use its own set of rules instead of the FIBA rules.

“As much as we like it that the PBA will use the FIBA rules, we have to make do with what the PBA wants,” said Lim. “The bottom line is that we’re playing in the PBA and the best players in the land, which would really help the team a lot.”