Manny Pangilinan's Appeal Letter to FIBA

This is posted by a friend in his FB page. It is allegedly MVP's letter to FIBA regarding Lassiter and Lutz's qualifications. The letter is not complete, some details are omitted, nevertheless, there are some good points in it. Inspiring, especially the last few lines.

Now, without further ado, for your reading pleasure:

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):

2011 Mock Draft

The PBA 36th season comes to an end last night. And everyone are now focused to the 36 applicants for the 2011 Annual Draft. Our group thought of giving you guys a mock draft for the first round.

The batch of applicants this Annual Draft is definitely one of the deepest in the last 10 years. That's why this draft is really interesting. Let us now start:

FIRST PICK : POWERADE

Philippe's Choice: PG 5-9 JV CASIO

Powerade pointguards: Celino Cruz, Jai Reyes, and Chico Lanete

Although their PG's are respectable, we can see that none of the three can ease the weight that Gary David has on his shoulder. That's why they need a young, stable and clutch pointguard. That's why there's no doubt JV Casio is the right person for the job.

SECOND PICK: RAIN OR SHINE

Philippe's Choice: PG/SG 6-0 PAUL LEE

The Elasto Painters already has a complete line-up. They have the man power needed in every position. And therefore getting the best talent available will be their motto in this Sunday's draft. Definitely the former hotshot of UE Red Warriors fits the job. Having Paul Lee will give them a scoring dimension that will compromise to their star Gabe Norwood creating talent. With Paul and Buenafe alternating in SG position, it will give a big boost for the Painter's campaign next season.

THIRD PICK: AIR 21

Philippe's Choice: PF/C 6-6 JASON BALLESTEROS

After giving their quality big men away in last season(Jay R Reyes, Al-Hussaini, Baclao) and already have man power in the guard position ( Hontiveros, Miller, Artadi, Arboleda), It's time for air21 to get a quality big man again. Having Salvador, Pena, and Sharma is not enough if they want to be competitive for the next season. Yes, Ballesteros is a bench warmer for our RP team, but let us not forget, he is a former Main Man for the SSC Stags, and the most important thing is he is DEFENDING our Naturalized Player Marcus Douthit and former PBA MVP Asi Taulava in practice. Now, do Jason deserve the 3rd pick? definitely YES.

FOURTH PICK : POWERADE

Philippe's Choice: SF 6-3 MARCIO LASSITER

Having bad games since the Ginebra-Smart Gilas semifinal series of the PBA's Commisioners Cup gives Marcio Lassiter a bad impression for this year's draft. Choker is one word that defines Marcio's game for the last 3 months. But let us not forget he can score 20-30 points every given night if he wants to. He just need to regain his confidence and with that maybe the Scoring Side of Marcio will return. He is also a good defender with good leaping ability. Having him, Casio and Sean Anthony will really give the franchise's fans reasons to smile.

FIFTH PICK : SHOPINAS

Philippe's Choice: PG 5-10 ANDY BARROCA

For a rebulding team like Shopinas, and having Franz Pumaren as their coach, it is a wise move to get a ready made point guard like Andy. Him as the primary court general of Shopinas will give Franz pumaren an easier job.

SIXTH PICK : ALASKA

Philippe's Choice: SF/SG 6-3 CHRIS LUTZ

Lutz is a good defender, smart player and a shooter. That is what alaska needed, a smart player that will fit to their triangle offense. I can see the second coming of Tony DelaCruz with a wider range.

SEVENTH PICK : TALK N TEXT

Philippe's Choice: PG/SG 5-11 ERIC SALAMAT

TNT is a COMPLETE team. But one problem that exposed in the Petron-Tnt series is their lack of PG's. Castro and Alapag is not enough. Ryan Reyes is better playing the two spot. That's why getting Salamat will solve Tnt's problem. And remember, Eric's a former eagle ;)

EIGHT PICK : PETRON

Philippe's Choice: SG/SF 6-3 DYLAN ABABOU

A scoring guard is needed by Petron, after the departure of dondon, this is the obvious position needed to be fill in. There will be no import this time. Duncil and Hubalde will return to their original mother team, and Ababou is the perfect choice.

NINTH PICK : GINEBRA

Philippe's Choice: SF/PF 6-4 MARNEL BARACAEL

As much as Ginebra needed a taller big man, It is a sin to disregardMarnel as their 9th pick. Marnel defines the true character of a BGK player. Hussle, Attitude, Heart. Having him in the team will be a big help for the aging kings.

TENTH PICK : AIR21

Philippe's Choice: C 6-7 MAGI SISON

Remember 2002 when this same franchise chose St. Francis of Assisi's stalwart Yancy De Ocampo? Magi looks like Yancy's carbon copy, but a smaller and agile big man. He is the next best big man after ballesteros. But we will not be surprised if he get traded on that same day.

This is only our choices feel free to comment.

See you on August 28 2011..

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