.JPG)
Formidable for finishing 3rd in the 10-team 21st Dubai International Basketball Tournament armed with a great system, big hearts, awe-inspiring Filipino fans, and an import who contributed chump change.
New team manager Frankie Lim is currently hard at work touring the US to find a candidate for naturalization. Coach Rajko will be joining him next week. Some considerations include height and athleticism, high basketball IQ, ability to follow and stay within a system, willingness to relocate, good knees, good back (and being upfront about injuries), and a big heart. Big enough to love this basketball crazy country of ours.
As of now, there’s a shortlist of imports they are seriously considering. Last Wednesday, Darian Townes flew in to try out. He just played with the Utah Flash in the NBDL last December but only averaged 1 point and 28% FG in his 6 games there. He had a longer stint in Holland (yes Hollanders got game!) where he normed 10.4 ppg in 19.9 mins.
He’s 26, 6’10” and weighs about 240 lbs. He was a vital cog for the Arkansas Razorbacks, where he became part of the school’s all time blocked shots, 1,000 point club, and was part of the top 10 in rebounding. He’s been lauded for his ball handling ability and his proficiency in the paint. His competitive spirit will be tested by Coach Rajko in the next couple of days.
Remember Jameel Watkins? He played for Shell and Magnolia here, and was impressive in college playing for the Georgetown Hoyas in the NCAA Big East… in the 90s! He’s making waves in China and is part of the short list. He’s already 32 years old which may be an issue.
A younger dominant big man could be a better choice. How about 7’1” former Gin Kings and 2008 Best import Chris Alexander? According the Assistant Coach Allan Gregorio, Alexander is 30 now and in 2 years (Olympic year) he can still be ripe. “Coach Rajko has hard practices every night so age will be a factor. He has to be able to survive the hard practices”.
They’re also checking on Earl Barron Jr. who played for the Red Bull Thunders and went on to get an NBA Championship ring in his 3 year stint with the Miami Heat where he logged 82 games, started in 15 of them, had 13.9 minutes on average with 4.9ppg and 3rpg. He’s a year younger than Alexander but the evaluation of the two (and all the rest) will boil down to athleticism and efficacy in the system.
Despite the possibilities that are brewing, no one can blame Gilas for thinking that they might not need to go transcontinental to find another piece of the puzzle. Besides, they can only naturalize 1 import but will still need another big man. So they’ll need to go local for that. There are a plethora of great talents in the PBA who could fit the bill, and Kelly Williams is the top candidate for locally flavored reinforcement.
Earl Barron pours in 25 points to power the Energy past Bakersfield on the final day of the NBA D-League Showcase.
Chris Tiu and I talked about it but I guess it’s best to just share his text: “I think Kelly Williams will fit our team well because he’s a hardworking, physical, tough, athletic and smart player. I thought Coach Rajko’s wish to bring him on board was confidential but somehow it reached the sports columns which probably preempted talks with the PBA and caused some misunderstanding. But I’m sure there will be an official request coming and a solution will be worked out for the good of the country”.
Well, the boat has been rocked and Mr. Buddy Encarnado (and the PBA) has been vocal about his disappointment because this has wedged them between a rock and a hard place. Saying no to the offer could make them look unpatriotic, while agreeing to lend their MVP could dampen their chances in the next PBA conference.
When I asked Williams about it, of course he’s “flattered by the compliment of being touted by Coach Toroman” but also said it would be difficult for him to leave Sta. Lucia at this point. He loves his team and is aching to boost them after a shortened All Filipino stint.
Well, everyone just has the greatest of intentions and this spat is all just a misunderstanding. What’s more important is that the next couple of days will be crucial in terms of finding the right man or men for our national team.
Source: Patricia Hizon | Manila Standard Today
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