Tab says Gilas has puncher’s chance

MANILA, Philippines - Gilas head coach Tab Baldwin borrowed a boxing term in evaluating the possibility of the Philippines winning the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament at the MOA Arena starting today.

“We’ve got a puncher’s chance,” said Baldwin. “I’m not a gambling man but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Las Vegas odds put us at least minus 15 points against every team in the competition.  To me, it’s not about going against the odds.  It’s about making things happen at the right time, doing the things that will give us an edge.  The reality is there’s a huge gap between us and the other teams in terms of experience, level of play and size.  That gap is what we hope to address.”

Baldwin said he has no illusions of dominating the six-nation tournament where four teams are ranked higher than the Philippines in the FIBA ladder.  France is No. 5, Turkey No. 8, New Zealand No. 21 and Canada No. 24 while the Philippines is No. 28 and Senegal No. 31.  

“All I ask from our guys is to compete,” said Baldwin.  “It’s wonderful that we’re able to play high-caliber teams at this level before our home fans.  But we’ve got to be realistic in our expectations.  It’s a tribute to MVP (SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan) that he was able to bring the Olympic Qualifying Tournament to Manila.  That’s something we’re all grateful for.  We’re going to be playing against some of the world’s best teams.”

As for Gilas’ homecourt advantage, Baldwin called it a bump.  “Of course, it’s a big factor for us,” he said.  “The crowd can give us a huge lift.  But remember, we’re playing against experienced teams that know what it’s like to play away from home.”

Baldwin said from Gilas’ 103-68 loss to Turkey in an Istanbul friendly two weeks ago, the Philippines made strides in dropping an 84-76 decision to the same team at the MOA Arena last Friday.  The margin of difference went down from 35 to eight.

“I don’t think Turkey played full strength last Friday but still, I thought we had a chance to win,” said Baldwin.  “We missed that three-pointer in the corner late in the game.  Andray (Blatche) had those silly turnovers and we couldn’t hit our free throws (missing 11 in all).  We could’ve played better pick-and-roll defense.  (Omer) Asik isn’t a finesse big, he’s a power guy.  He has no shot beyond three feet.  Late in the first half, we had the ball with 23 seconds left and I wanted to make sure Turkey wouldn’t get another possession.  We missed a shot and Turkey got off a three-pointer at the buzzer.  Then, to start the second half, Turkey went on a 10-0 run so all of a sudden, they were up 17.  But right now, our concern isn’t Turkey.”

Gilas opens its campaign against France tonight then plays New Zealand tomorrow.  If the Philippines finishes first or second in its group, Gilas advances to the knockout semifinals on Saturday.  If Turkey ends up No. 1 in Group A and the Philippines No. 2 in Group B, they will face off in the semifinals.

Baldwin said beating France is a tall order but as the saying goes, the ball is round.  “France has a lot of talent and experience in their team with Tony (Parker), (Boris) Diaw, (Nicolas) Batum and the others,” he said.  “It’s important we play smart, keep the game close to give us a chance.  Against Turkey, we had some success with our press.  But against big guards, it’s hard to press because they can see over us. There’s a big chance they’ll score easy baskets if they break our press.”

Baldwin said every game will be a challenge. “Maybe, we’ve got a real shot at beating New Zealand but it’ll be tough,” he said. “We’ll be out there fighting as hard as we can, that’s what we owe the fans.”

For Gilas to make headway, Blatche has to play his A-Game every night.  Against Turkey last Friday, he erupted for 10 points in the first period then went blank in the second.  He shot a free throw and a two-point field goal in the third quarter and finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals, a blocked shot and five turnovers.  Blatche knocked down 2-of-6 triples and shot 5-of-10 from the two-point range in 31:02 minutes.

In the Gilas lineup, only five players were held over from the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain and the FIBA Asia Championships in Changsha last year – Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Gabe Norwood, Marc Pingris and Blatche.  June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar and Jeff Chan saw action in Spain but not in Changsha. Terrence Romeo was in Changsha but not in Spain.  Ryan Reyes, Troy Rosario and Bobby Ray Parks were not in Spain or Changsha but made the team for the Olympic qualifier.