‘No ceiling on Gilas potential’

MANILA, Philippines - Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin is confident they could achieve their mission  in the coming FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha, China with the batch of aspirants that showed up in their first official practice at the Meralco Gym Monday night.

“I don’t make predictions but I think this team can develop a strong culture. And if we become cohesive, we can work for each other, play for each other and play for our country, then I don’t put a ceiling on what our potential is,” said Baldwin.

“These are the easiest guys to get that done with because they believe in themselves and they believe that the guys we have here can get the job done. And that’s exactly what I like them to believe,” Baldwin also said.

Only 15 players showed up, with one – Kelly Williams – twisting his right knee and being rushed to the hospital barely at the outset of the workout.

Naturalized player Andray Blatche came in just before the start of practice, instantly perking up the atmosphere in the venue as Old Gilas players Ranidel de Ocampo, Jayson Castro, Gabe Norwood, Gary David and Jimmy Alapag warmly welcomed him.

Baldwin later  introduced the nine-year NBA veteran to returning Gilas players Sonny Thoss and Asi Taulava, and new guys Dondon Hontiveros, Terrence Romeo, Aldrech Ramos, JC Intal, Matt Ganuelas and Troy Rosario.

“That’s our list, that’s our team. Those are the guys we have here and for the other ones, we hope we get them in if injuries get healed and personal issues are resolved,” Baldwin said after their two-hour workout.

But  he’s not closing the door on the others, obviously referring to Junemar Fajardo, Marc Pingris, LA Tenorio, Paul Lee and Marcio Lassiter.

“The door is still open. The roster is fluid. The guys in the PBA, Boss Pato (Gregorio), Boss Chito (Salud), they’ve been working very hard to try and get the players we can. Whatever issues have a reason, they’ve been working hard to try and resolve the issues. You can’t fix an injury right away. We don’t have a healer in the house. We have to be patient with injuries and we have to be compassionate with people with personal problems,” he pointed out.

“We hope their families, their issues, whatever personal issues they have are resolved quickly and positively, so they could join us,” he also said, adding though that they can’t wait for long.

“We can’t wait forever and I don’t have a deadline for that. We have to treat each case the way we can. But obviously when we’re not a full team and we’re preparing, it means it’s another time we have to step backwards to go forward if somebody comes in late. We don’t want to do that too much,” he said.

Beside Blatche, Rosario is the only non-PBA player in the pool. Baldwin stressed, though, that the former NU stalwart has an equal chance of making the Final 12 as the others.

Alapag is a crucial part of the group with Tenorio’s and Lee’s status uncertain.

Baldwin made it clear Alapag is joining the workout as part of the coaching staff. But he didn’t rule out the possibility of reactivating him as a player if the need arises.

“Jimmy is here to help us out. If our numbers dwindle for whatever reason like Kelly (Williams) falling out tonight or players that we hope can come in can’t come in, then he’ll keep training and it will be my decision in the end if we think he can help us,” said Baldwin

“I guess it would be his decision, too. It should be his decision first. Right now, he’s helping us as a training body,” Baldwin added.

For his part, Alapag said he’ll fight for a spot in the team.

“It’s not my DNA to just be here and relax. I’ll compete,” the former Gilas skipper said.