Shattered dream

I think you showed some balance and quickness, but obviously, you’re missing the quality and these two games are the results of that

ANDRAY Blatche and Gilas Pilipinas’ shattered dream in the FIBA Basketball World Cup could lead to a bright future for Philippine basketball. JAT TENORIO

FOSHAN, China — Gilas Pilipinas checked out of this busting city carrying all the scars and wounds it suffered from embarrassing setbacks in the first round of the International Basketball Federtion (FIBA) Basketball World Cup here.

The Filipinos opened their campaign with a 46-point loss to Italy, 62-108, followed by a record 59-point defeat to Serbia, 67-126, to walk into a crucial game against Angola with crushed morale.

Back home, everybody thought Gilas Pilipinas would easily dominate the Angolans, who were ranked three notches lower than the Filipinos.

The Angolans tremendous displayed grace under pressure to register an 84-81 win in overtime.

Actually, the Filipinos had a chance to win it, but CJ Perez bungled the last play in regulations while Kiefer Ravena muffed what could be a game-clinching shot in overtime to doom their chances of entering the second-round on a high note.

When the smoke cleared, Gilas Pilipinas emerged without a win in three matches and a prolific Serbian coach delivered the harsh reality that its basketball program remains galaxies away from the best in the world.

“I think you showed some balance and quickness, but obviously, you’re missing the quality and these two games are the results of that,” said Serbian coach Sasa Djordjevic, the former playmaker of the great Yugoslavian team who is also known in the international coaching circle as brutally frank.

“You lost to two European top teams who know how to play tough, physical basketball. These are the results you have to think about in the future.”

At first, Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao was fired up with the comment.

Apparently, he realized that the Serbian is right: The Filipinos’ brand of basketball remains light years away from the best teams in the world.

Gilas Pilipinas came here oozing with confidence.

Despite suffering various roadblocks ranging from a botched drug-test to involvement in one of the messiest brawls in international basketball history, coaching changes, late preparation and injuries, Gilas still managed to survive the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifying Tournament.

“I think we are ready. We are ready as we can be,” said Guiao in the final day of their training.

Talks have it that the original goal was to ambush Italy and come up with a very strong performance against Serbia — the fourth-team in the world and the top squad in the FIBA Power Ranking.

Then, they would crush Angola to make it to the second round to essay a historic feat that would make them the toast of Philippine basketball.

YENG Guiao admits that they still have a lot to learn in international play. JAT TENORIO

But should none of these materialize, at least they could emerge as the best-performing Asian team that would be given an automatic slot in the Tokyo Olympics next year.

But disaster struck and the Italians, Serbians and Angolans gave them a crash course on how to compete in the international stage.

Andray Blatche, the United States-born center who was playing as naturalized player, greatly struggled while skipper Gabe Norwood hardly made an impact, proving that the high-leaping forward who once dunked over the outstretched arms of Luis Scola no longer exists.

Other players like Kiefer Ravena, Raymund Almazan and Roger Pogoy were also virtually invisible, leaving bulk of the offensive cudgels on the shoulders of Paul Lee, Robert Bolick, CJ Perez and June Mar Fajardo.

The Nationals couldn’t shoot, couldn’t rebound and couldn’t execute when it mattered most.

Their dream of announcing their arrival in international basketball was completely shattered.

And all Lee could say after their 59-point setback to Serbia was: It was a tough loss.

The Nationals still have a game against Asian powerhouse Iran on Sunday to wrap up their participation and determine their final standing.

A victory would definitely turn things around and spark a celebration back home while a setback would reduce Gilas Pilipinas into a mere footnote in international basketball history.

But the bigger question is: What would happen to the team after this memorable performance?

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is tipped to pivot into the future by revamping the national team roster in anticipation for its hosting of the next edition of the World Cup in 2023.

With this, 33-year old Blatche is no longer expected to return while key stalwarts will definitely be replaced by the likes of Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, Thirdy Ravena, Gian Chiu, Carl Tamayo and Dave Ildefonso to give them experience for the next major international tournaments.

And with Blatche out, the hunt for the next naturalized prospect intensifies with Philippine Basketball Association imports Justin Brownlee and Chris McCullough openly expressing their desire to suit up while there were some quarters batting for Terrence Jones.

Of course, Guiao’s job is also not safe with American coach Will Voigt — yes, the Angolan mentor who broke the Filipinos’ hearts — revealing that he is very open to the position while Kiwis Tab Baldwin and Mark Dickel could also be considered.

Yes, the nightmare here in Foshan opened a can of worms.

But it also unveiled the solutions that could lead to a bright future for Philippine basketball.