The Gilas Pilipinas squad that will be defending the Philippines’ gold medal at 5×5 basketball in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya has obvious height issues as Brandon Bates, at 6-foot-9, is the tallest player. Guard RJ Abarrientos, however, isn’t concerned.
Aside from Bates, the Philippines’ other big men are somewhat undersized, with Justin Arana at 6‑foot‑7, Justine Baltazar at 6‑foot‑8, Brandon Ganuelas‑Rosser at 6‑foot‑7, and Zavier Lucero at 6‑foot‑6. But, according to Abarrientos, what Bates and company give up in height, they make up for speed and mobility.
“Fresh legs kami halos ‘yung mga bigs namin, sabi nga ni Justin [Arana], mga mobile ‘yung bigs namin. Talagang nakakatakbo, talagang nakakasabay sa amin,” said Abarrientos in an online press conference hosted by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
Gilas Pilipinas’ Big Advantage
Abarrientos believes that this speed, along with that now fabled “puso” would be Gilas Pilipinas’ big advantage in the Asian Games.
“‘Yun ‘yung pinaka‑advantage namin, undersized man ‘yung bigs namin pero malalaki ‘yung puso namin pagdating sa court, so ‘yun ‘yung pinaka‑advantage namin ng Gilas ngayon,” added Abarrientos.
Abarrientos should benefit from this speed as well, as the this version of Gilas will reportedly be a more free-flowing, run-and-gun team. With players who excel in the open court, like Abarrientos, Robert Bolick, and Adrian Nocum, expect a fast-paced team that’s vastly different from Gilas five trying to qualify for the FIBA World Cup.
“Kapag kay Coach Tim [Cone] kasi na sistema, it’s more on relying sa half‑court offense namin, talagang rhythm. [Ngayon] nakakatakbo, kayang makipagsabayan sa mga mas malalaki sa amin,” said the 26‑year‑old.
It remains to be seen whether or not speed and a fast pace will propel Gilas Pilipinas to a gold-medal finish, or at least a place in the podium. But one thing is for sure: this team could be an exciting one to watch.
