SBP to bring back Gilas cadet program

TAIPEI – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is taking a look at a different path in forming the next national team.

While thankful to all the help gotten from the PBA, SBP vice chairman Ricky Vargas said they’re now seriously considering to bring back the original Gilas cadet program.

Another consideration is to strengthen the three MVP Group ball clubs in the PBA, particularly the flagship team Talk n Text, and make the players from these teams available to the national team.

“We need to come up with a long-term program for SBP rather than rely a hundred percent on the PBA because it’s very volatile,” said Vargas.

“Sometimes they’re there, sometimes they’re not there. There’s no assurance. The best way to do is go back to the cadet program,” added Vargas, referring to their original program that featured Marcus Douthit, Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, Jvee Casio, Mark Baracael, Mark Barocca, Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz, among others.

For the future cadet team, Vargas mentioned Bobby Ray Parks, Kiefer Ravena, Marc Belo and Kobe Paras as the possible prospects.

Vargas is also curious to see a mix of these amateur stars with Talk n Text players Jason Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Matt Rosser, Moala Tautuaa, Kelly Williams, Troy Rosario, naturalized player Andray Blatche and possibly Jordan Clarkson.

“If people think we’re getting the best players (to TNT), that’s our vision. If Talk n Text is good enough to be a national team, it’s so much easier than to kneel down and ask for assistance,” said Vargas. “I don’t mind saying that. That’s a serious consideration.”

The PBA board itself is clamoring for the national cage federation to map up a long-term national team program especially with the shift of FIBA to a new calendar that will run in conflict with that of the local pro league.

Some quarters in the PBA board also bat for a cadet program, promising to help by approving a provision that will set a period of time when cadet players will not be lured to be drafted in the pro league.

With this, the pick-up system from the PBA roster will be avoided.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng tumulong, lahat sila tumulong naman. Pero mahirap humingi ng abuloy (I thank all those who helped up. All of them actually helped. But it’s hard to beg),” said Vargas.

“The temperament of the teams varies, same with the temperament of the players. It’s true that one suffers fatigue, gets hurt or really can’t play. The level of commitment is another thing. There are players who will play hurt. I saw that in Ping (Marc Pingris). His commitment is inspiring,” Vargas pointed out.

He’s sad the PBA, undoubtedly the source of the best players in the country, can’t be consistent in support of the national team.

“One day they wake up with full support, the next time partial support, the next time one player per team. So 12 lang yon, kulang pa. Paano kung ang ibibigay mo hindi kailangan, kahit two players pa per team,” he asked.

“Then you ask a question ‘is this the best team we put up for the Philippines.’ You look them in the eyes, (and they will tell you) this is not the best team,” rued Vargas.