Tougher All Stars will make Gilas better

Games today (MOA Arena)

5:30 – Skills Challenge

8 p.m. – PBA Legends (Greats vs Stalwarts)

MANILA, Philippines - Barely salvaging a tie the last time in Digos, Davao del Sur, Gilas Pilipinas is again expected to face an extremely tough challenge against a PBA selection determined to push the Nationals to the limit.

“It’s not going to be fun. It’s going to be serious. It will be a battle,” said PBA selection coach Tim Cone of the 2014 PBA All Star Game that highlights the All-Star Week at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Sunday.

“Our team is here for two reasons. One is for the fans. We want to represent ourselves well. Second, we’re here for Gilas. We’re here to get them better,” Cone pointed out.

“I’ll try very hard to tell the guys let’s do something else, something noble. Let’s not think about ourselves but to help Gilas get better in preparation for the World Cup,” Cone added.

Arwind Santos and the other members of PBA select team did their job last year, nearly embarrassing the national squad. Gilas merely salvaged a 124-all tie on a final second three-pointer by Jeff Chan.

Cone and his team, including starters Greg Slaughter, James Yap, Mark Barroca, Chris Ellis and Mac Baracael, promise to put up an even tougher stand.

“We’ll not give 124 points this time around. We’ll get to compete. It will be a tough defensive battle, up and down defense. We’ll really make it tough for them,” said Cone.

To help out coach Chot Reyes and his team even more, Cone is thinking on running plays employed in FIBA competitions.

“I’ve been talking to Chot. We’ll run plays they would face in the World Cup. We’ll have some plays popular in the Euro league. But in some point at proper time, we’ll also run the triangle,” Cone said.

Completing Cone’s roster are 2013 co-MVP Arwind Santos, Calvin Abueva, Marcio Lassiter, Sonny Thoss, Joe Devance, Niño Canaleta and PJ Simon.

Reyes will have the same cast plus new additions Paul Lee and Jarred Dillinger.

It will not just be a battle for pride as the PBA board has put up a cash prize of P100,000 for the winning team.

The dance-off after the call-out ceremony will still be there. At stake is P50,000.

“Sa kanila na yong P50,000, amin yong P100,000,” said Gilas forward Marc Pingris. “Kidding aside, we will really play hard to win this game, knowing the pressure is on our side. They’re playing pressure-free.”

“This is going to be a battle and it’s not an easy thing for us, knowing the guys on the other team also deserve to wear the national colors,” said another Gilas player Ranidel de Ocampo.