The Smart Gilas project is over (maybe on player’s contract) and the stint of coach Rajko Toroman is still uncertain whether he wants to come back for another quest for FIBA Asian Qualifier this 2013 or accept offers from another national teams (I hope he may not).
There are some names floating around the basketball community to replace the Serbian coach, Chot Reyes of Talk N Text Tropang Texters, Norman Black of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, Jong Uichico of Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings and Yeng Guiao of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are one of the most sought after coaches that can replace Toroman for the Gilas 2.0.
All the names mentioned above have already experienced handling national team in the recent years. Black handled the 1994 RP National Team which mostly composed of San Miguel Beermen who won the All Filipino title against Coney Island Ice Cream Stars, with amateurs then Marlou Aquino and Kenneth Duremdes, with Alvin Patrimonio, Jerry Codinera and Rey Evangelista, in 1994 earning fourth place. Reyes handled the 2007 RP National Team which composed of PBA All-Stars and some collegiate standouts. He led the team to a 9th place finish in FIBA Asia Championship Cup, third place in William Jones Cup, and a title in the Brunei Cup. Originally handpicked by Ron Jacobs, Uichico handled the 2002 RP National Team after he (Jacobs) suffered a stroke. He guided the team to a fourth place finish after Lee Sang Min’s three point shot ended our hope for a possible silver medal. Guiao handled the 2009 RP National Team with the ultimate goal of competing for the World Basketball Championship in Turkey but failed to live up the expectations.
With an impressive resume regarding the experience in international tournaments, I might say that Chot Reyes is the best candidate for the Gilas 2.0 if Toroman won’t return at all. He is the only Filipino member of the US Basketball Academy. In terms of preparations, dedication and being one of the assistant to Toroman in Wuhan, he is more credible replacement for the Serbian coach. The only hindrance is his stint with the Talk N Text Tropang Texters in the PBA.
My second choice is Yeng Guiao. He may not be the greatest X’s and O’s type of a coach, but his passion cannot be questioned by others. He may be fierce to his players, one of the best characteristics of Guiao as a coach is his “eye for the talent”. I believed that his 2009 RP Team is one of the best line up ever assembled compare to the previous lineups handled by three coaches(and if only Marcus Douthit is naturalized during that time). He is also one of the best in terms of player rotation, which is one of the flaws on Toroman’s system in Wuhan.
Maybe in 2013, Reyes and Guiao will handle the Gilas 2.0. And I don’t think it’s a good idea as far as pride is concern. But who knows?
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