Gilas Cadets to Train Full-Time for Thailand Game and Beyond

For a 3-time UAAP champion coach who's also a widely-recognized international coach, planning and preparation are two important keys in basketball and generally, in life.

And when FIBA decided to indefinitely postpone Gilas Pilipinas' home game against Thailand as part of the first window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, that created a lot of headaches especially for assistant coach and Gilas Program Director Tab Baldwin. After all, there hasn't been a word from  FIBA as to when the Thailand game will be rescheduled.

After successfully being the Indonesians by 30 points in their road win last Sunday, Gilas Pilipinas, led by the brother duo of Thirdy Ravena and team captain Kiefer Ravena, is still not sure as to how they will prepare for a game that hasn't been scheduled yet.  And it's not an easy thing to do when you have 6 players who are about to return to their respective PBA teams in time for the opening of the season-opener Philippine Cup which is now slated to open on March 8. And yes, that includes Kiefer Ravena who had 10 points and 4 steals in his first game as team captain. And in case you forgot, Mark Dickel, the interim head coach of Gilas for the February window, will be calling the shots for the TNT KaTropa so that's another thing.

Fortunately, Tab Baldwin is pushing the national team to become less dependent on what the PBA can provide. The fact that Gilas Pilipinas has 9 cadets means that they can still make the necessary preparation not just for the unscheduled Thailand game but also, for the next windows of the  Asia Cup qualifiers and more importantly, the 2023 FIBA World Cup in which the Philippines will be one of the host countries. The players that are currently listed in the cadets' line-up are Gilas draftees Isaac Go, the Nieto twins of Matt and Mike, Allyn Bullanadi, and Rey Swerte. Also included are Thirdy Ravena, the Gomez De Liano siblings of Juan and Javi, and Jaydee Tungcab  According to the multi-titled coach, these players will be starting their full-time training with the help of fellow members of the Gilas coaching staff like Sandy Arespacochaga, Alex Compton, and Topex Robinson. In addition to this, it has been revealed that the cadets will also be trained by a European coach who will be determined at a later time. 

If this works out, Gilas Pilipinas will be ready to face Thailand at any given time because they will have the line-up who can play at any given time without relying too much on the availability of PBA players. And more importantly, the 9 cadets included will have their skills honed for international competitions which can help compete not just against our Asian neighbors but also, for the World Cup in 2023. 

Photo is from Head Topics