Eligibility of Gilas players questioned

Challenges seem to never stop for our national bet, Smart Gilas.

Over the past months, we hear of several not-so-good news from the team. There's the departure of several key players, coach Toroman's future with the team, priorities of the players to name a few. The team, has responded to these challenges and has finally assembled a formidable team to compete in FIBA. But before someone could say "all systems go!", this came out (from the smart gilas fb page):

Coach Toroman's Gilas stint uncertain

It seems that Smart Gilas and the country's Olympic basketball bid are still in murky waters as Rajko Toroman's post as head coach is still uncertain.

Though the management has announced an extension of the program, there is still no word regarding the coach's extension whose contract will expire after the team's stint at FIBA on October 15.

There are rumors and speculation that perhaps former Alaska Coach, Tim Cone would replace Toroman as Gilas' mentor.

Personally, I think coach Toroman should continue the program. He is seems like a dedicated coach and very
competent at that. Not to take away from the local coaches, but coach Toroman has extensive international experience.

To the Gilas management: It has been a good start... but as they say in basketball or in any other sports:

"It's not how you start, it's how you finish"

I pray that we finish strong!

-Bloyd

Drafted Players from Smart Gilas vow to play for FIBA

Over the past weeks, there was concern on the country's basketball program as players from SMART Gilas, the country's basketball team entered the PBA draft.

Worry no more, Gilas Fans. Charles Tiu, Chris Tiu's brother says this:

Charles Tiu: "I just want to reassure everybody that all the Gilas guys who were drafted are still committed to play for this team until the FIBA Asia Championship in Wuhan this September. They will all still play with Gilas and they will give it their all, because they still are playing for the country!'

 I just hope that those drafted players would still give their all and not "tank" the tourney for preservation.


-Bloyd

BASKETBALL DREAM: THE ROAD TO STARDOM

Let's admit not all of us has the chance to be a part of an elite league like the Philippine Basketball Association. Dreaming to be a professional player someday required skills, hard work, patience and popularity. But how come a child pursue with his dream?

I list some (personal) suggestions on how to have a chance to become a PBA player someday.

• AGES 5-10 YEARS OLD ( your kid)

1. Enroll in a good basketball clinic = every summer there are many basketball clinics around METRO MANILA. But how can you choose a good basketball clinic? TIP: Research for the clinic, if that clinic has a credible training team, if the venue is good enough and lastly, if their product have come a long way( like playing in PBA, UAAP, NCAA) then enroll your children in this clinic. GOOD CLINICS: MILO BEST( I've tried this camp until level 3, and man their training is INTENSE), COACH E Basketball Camp, Basketball Camps of popular basketball personality like Samboy Lim, Ronnie Magsanoc and Bobby Parks.
2. Enroll your children in a school that joins credible leagues in the Philippines like SBP, PASARELLE, UAAP, NCAA.
3. The school you chose has a good basketball program.
4. TRAINING (but don't let your child abandons his/ her studies) 

• 11-20 years ( You/Children)

1. As what I've said above, entering Schools with good basketball programs and is part of credible leagues is a good stepping stone for getting the ultimate goal. Sometimes being a good baller is nothing if your school is not keen on having a basketball program. And also, if the tournaments your school is joining is not that good, then your talent maybe wasted. ( Only small percentage of good basketball players succeed if their school has no love in sports especially basketball)
2.  Age of 17-20 is the time when you graduate HS and pursuing college life. Ofcourse, schools playing in the PCC, UAAP, NCAA are the main options but the league like NCRAA,  SCUAA, WNCAA(for girls), and some good leagues in the province is not that bad. 
3. Show your Mark!! The college basketball life is the time when you make your name, you need to show the coaches of professional teams that you are ready to play with the real men.

• 21 and above(You)

1. DON'T QUIT = Playing in the leagues like La Liga and PBA D-League will help you earn some good markets. 
2. TRY OUT = If you really want this, then you will try going to the team directly and join their try outs. 

As I mentioned, the road to stardom is hard but if you have patience, skill, hardwork and a little luck then maybe your the next PBA SUPERSTAR

note: This is only my personal suggestions. Feel free to comment

" Philip Zuñiga is a graduate of Philippine Normal University. He is a certified sports fan since 1996. "