Top 5 players who can be playing for Philippines

Though the next World Cup will be at 2019, the Philippines should be selecting today who will eventually don the blue-and-white jerseys for the Philippines. In this article, I'll be showing you guys who I believe can be going off into the 2019 championships.

5. Calvin Abueva (Alaska Aces, Forward)

Calvin Abeuva was initially denied a spot in the Philippine roster, owing to his emotional tendencies and attitude. But it seems The Beast has finally tamed himself, at least with his attitude.

Before, he'd be somewhat like the Lance Stephenson of the PBA. He'll be in your face, and even though he won't blow on your ear, he will taunt you. Today, he will still play sticky defense at you, but he'll be more level-minded, more composed, less foul-happy.

And with a hard-working guy like Abueva, who'll scrap for the boards, fight for the 50-50 balls, and keep a hand up against the world's finest, on the team, its hard to imagine Philippines losing the rebound battle.

4. James Yap (San Mig Coffee, Guard/Forward)

 

Seriously, who won't put James Yap in their make-believe Philippine Team?

It's not just because of his fame, most likely not because of his "looks", it's because of his scoring prowess. He can score at will. He has a million moves, as Mico Halili will put it. He's also an unappreciated rebounder, getting 4.3 boards per contest in his whole career.

But what sets him apart from other scorers is his uncanny ability to score the important shots, the game-winners, the buzzer-beaters. Gilas' shortcomings in the end-game is well-chronicled around the globe. And James Yap has shown this year that he can be your go-to guy when you need clutch scoring.

3. Terrence Romeo (GlobalPort, Point Guard) 

 

Romeo is a 5'11 guard, roughly the same height as other point guards of the Philippine team. While the other guards of the Philippines bring their shooting touch and driving skills, Romeo has both, plus a really nasty crossover set.

Romeo can SIZE (pun not intended) up his defender in more than a hundred ways. He can cross you over then step back for a shot, or do a behind-the-back then a crossover. The possibilities are endless. He also has minor international experience, having played for Manila West, the champs, in the recent FIBA 3x3 Manila Masters tournament. Plus, he also possesses a nasty shooting touch, adding more venom in his already potent arsenal.

Now if he can play better defense...

2. Joachim Thoss (Alaska, Forward/Center)

 

Thoss has been part of the Gilas program for a few years, taking part in the 2012 Jones Cup tournament that the Philippines won. He proved he can play internationally, using those hook shots and others.

I wouldn't wonder if the SBP decides to bring back the Boss to the program, even if he won't play. Heck, he could mentor "The Kraken" June Mar Fajardo, teach him a few tricks Danny Ildefonso forgot in his lesson plan.

But if the need arises, Joachim Gunther (I like that name) Thoss can contribute big time for the Filipinos.

1. Greg Slaughter (Barangay Ginebra, Center)

 

Surprised? Don't be.

All of us probably expect Gregzilla to enter the Philippine training pool if he is invited, and we have every reason to be excited.

Slaughter is a 7-foot behemoth with a soft outside touch, and honestly, having a 7-footer is your lineup is a luxury. Think about it: Gilas can trot out a starting 5 of:

G - LA Tenorio
G - Paul Lee
F - Gabe Norwood
F - June Mar Fajardo
C - Andray Blatche

Then when you sub out Fajardo, you get Greg, effectively creating a twin tower combination. However, he lacks a low post move set, which he should work on sometime.

What is your opinion? Do you agree with these picks? Is there someone you want to be here? (GS)

Talk n' Text holds off Alaska; Meralco halts Air21 in overtime thrillers

Saturday night was a great night for PBA patrons, as they witnessed not one, but two overtime matches between four different teams.

Talk n' Text holds off Alaska

 

Gilas stalwarts Ranidel de Ocampo and Jimmy Alapag held their own for the Tropang Texters as the two guys hit crucial shots to give their team a 121-117 victory over the Aces.

De Ocampo hit a wide-open triple that bounced on the front rim before fatefully dropping in the basket to give Talk n' Text a 119-115 lead with 35.6 seconds to go.

Veteran big man Sonny Thoss managed a basket underneath after a rebound battle, a glimpse of his career-high 30 points, to cut the lead to two points.

But two free throws for Alapag off a JV Casio foul, and a missed desperation heave for rookie Chris Exciminiano, sealed the deal for the Tropang Texters, who nailed its seventh win in ten games.

De Ocampo and Alapag had huge help from their teammates, as de Ocampo was one of the six players in double figures, highlighted by a double-double performance from another former Gilas member in Kelly Williams, who tallied 18 points and 10 rebounds. 

Alaska falls to a precarious 4-7 slate, narrowing their chances for a playoff finish. Talk n' Text, meanwhile, goes up to a 7-3 record to tie with Rain or Shine.

Meralco halts Air21

 

Gary David, the reigning PBA scoring champ, once again showed his prowess when it comes to getting points on the board.

David poured 34 big points on 13-of-26 shooting and 4-of-7 from long distance, while returning veteran Danny Ildefonso had 14 points to go with 6 rebounds and 5 assists to lead Meralco to a thrilling 92-88 victory against Air21.

Air21 was on Meralco's coat tails from the tip-off, and until the regulation buzzer, when KG Canaleta, the three-point king, buried a tough baseline triple contested by Ildefonso to send the game to an extra five minutes.

It was a neck-and-neck match in overtime, with neither team backing down. But "El Granada", as he is famously known, nailed back-to-back jumpers for a 87-84 count heading to the final minute.

A Reynel Hugnatan short stab and Ildefonso's free throw countered two shots by Asi Taulava late in the game to seal the Bolt's fourth win in 11 games.

The win spoiled a great game for Canaleta, who finished with 32 markers on 11-of-23 shooting, and a conference-high 26 boards for Taulava to complement his 15 points.

Air21 falls deeper in the cellar with a 2-9 slate, while Meralco ends up at 4-7 after the game to tie Alaska and Barako. (GS)

The scores: 

First game 

Talk 'N Text 121 – Williams 18, Reyes 17, De Ocampo 16, Castro 16, Fonacier 14, Anthony 13, Seigle 9, Carey 8, Alapag 5, Reyes J. 3, Baclao 2.

Alaska 117 – Thoss 30, Jazul 18, Espinas 18, Baguio 17, Casio 11, Abueva 9, Ramos 7, Eximiniano 3, Dela Cruz 2, Eman 2, Hontiveros 0.

Quarterscores: 26-26; 48-40; 83-80; 108-108; 121-117

Second game

The scores:

Meralco 98 – David 34, Ildefonso 14, Wilson 13, Hugnatan 9, Dillinger 8, Salvacion 5, Guevarra 5, Hodge 4, Timberlake 0, Al-Hussaini 0, Artadi 0.

Air21 88 – Canaleta 32, Taulava 15, Yeo 10, Manuel 8, Vardona 7, Sharma 6, Camson 4, Matias 2, Arboleda 2, Ritualo 2, Jaime 0, Menor 0, Custodio 0.

Quarterscores:  21-15; 38-31; 56-56; 79-79; 92-88.