Commentary: Rain or Shine in the Asian Games

MANILA, Philippines – After the Ateneo Blue Eagles represented the Philippines in the recently concluded William Jones Cup, it is the turn of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to bear the national colors in the upcoming Asian Games.

I do not think that this represents a shift in policy for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. It just so happens that the senior national squad is in a state of flux after all the suspensions stemming from the brawl with Australia. Furthermore, the Gilas cadets will all be competing in either the NCAA, UAAP and the MPBL at that time.

The appointment of Ateneo and Rain or Shine does present an intriguing proposition for a “ready-made” team — that could be possibly aided and abetted by players from other squads — to represent the country.

Given that the Asian Games are just around the corner — from August 18 to September 2 in Jakarta, Indonesia — a team, one that has been together for a while, is more desirable. They do not have the luxury of time to learn a new system or play alongside new teammates.

The current core has several players with national team experience — Gabe Norwood, Chris Tiu, James Yap, Raymond Almazan, Jay Washington, Norbert Torres, and Beau Belga. That greatly helps because they know what it is all about. The “sindak” factor will not come into play.

However, if some players are long on experience, it cannot be applied to the coaching staff. That is why you have to hand it to current Elasto Painters coach Caloy Garcia, who admitted his lack of international exposure. So along with team management, an overture was made to former coach Yeng Guiao to handle the squad. The current NLEX coach accepted. The last time Guiao was at the helm of a national team was during the Powerade team that represented the country during the 2009 FIBA Asia Championships in Tianjin, China.

Incidentally, two current Elasto Painters were part of the squad that competed in Tianjin — Norwood and Yap.

That team finished eighth with a 4-5 record.

Incidentally, that was the Powerade team that was all-pro because around the same time, the young Smart Gilas was being prepared to make a run toward the 2012 London Olympics. After that team was unable to reach its objective, the national team went all-pro once more.

Aside from the core of the RoS squad, I am sure the team will add other players to complement the team. Most likely, Guiao will invite players who have played for him before in order to cut down on the period of adjustment.

The Philippines is in Group B along with Iran, Syria and the United Arab Emirates. Not to disrespect the latter two countries, but Iran the Philippines are tabbed to advance to the quarterfinals.

Looking at the other groups, Group A is composed of South Korea, Mongolia, host Indonesia and Thailand. South Korea should advance. The second seed is a crap shoot between Indonesia and Thailand.

Group C lists Japan, Qatar, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong. I figure Japan and Chinese Taipei will advance.

And lastly, Group D features China, Kazakhstan and Palestine. China and Kazakhstan should pull through.

If Jordan Clarkson does suit up, he will be of massive help to RoS-Gilas Pilipinas. Even if he doesn’t, this team will still be competitive. After all, this is a veteran team that knows what needs to be done.