Baldwin says heart is a must as Gilas leaves for Estonia

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin recognizes the fact that they are not the most talented team at this point.

But he expects the national team to fight with a lot of heart, starting with its trip to Estonia for a three-game schedule Monday night.

Baldwin said he isn't harping on the loss of former Gilas players June Mar Fajardo, Marc Pingris and LA Tenorio, who all withdrew from the national side for various reasons.

"They (current players in the Gilas pool) are the ones that have committed to Gilas and they are the ones who are committed to represent the heart and the passion that the basketball fans here have for the game," Baldwin said moments after concluding Gilas' practice on Monday morning at the Moro Lorenzo gym inside the Ateneo campus.

Gilas is set to leave for Estonia, located in the Northern Europe, to play three matches against the national teams of Iceland, the Netherland and the host country.

The 16-man national pool confirmed to fly out of Manila tonight includes Asi Taulava and Aldrech Ramos of NLEX, Jason Castro, Ranidel De Ocampo and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser of Talk n Text, Calvin Abueva, Sonny Thoss and Dondon Hontiveros of Alaska, Terrence Romeo of GlobalPort, Gary David of Meralco, Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine, JC Intal of Barako Bull along with naturalized player Andray Blatche, Jimmy Alapag and Fil-Tongan Moala Tautuaa.

Gilas will take a 22-hour trip to Estonia and will begin it exhibition match on August 20.

Tautuaa and Rosario, expected to emerge as the top two picks, won't be around in this Sunday's annual PBA draft.

The American-Kiwi coach mentioned that representing the basketball-crazy Filipinos is already a huge responsibility, considering that they carry the hopes of a nation that is bidding to make its return to the Olympics since 1972.

"It's a huge responsibility already for us so we'll develop the team to the best of our ability and puso is gonna be important," he added.

Taulava, the 42-year-old slotman, will be the oldest player in the team and possibly come the FIBA Asia men's championship next month, but Baldwin expects everybody from Gilas to give it their all in every tournament they will be joining from here on.

"We're not gonna be the most talented team, but it doesn't mean we can't have the biggest heart and put forth the best effort and chemistry," explained Baldwin, who previously coached the national teams of Lebanon and Jordan.