This is a different Gilas

Webster defines “commitment” as the act or the state of being bound by pledge or assurance, or obligating and engaging oneself to responsibility.  Commitment is also defined as being confined to a mental institution or sent to prison. Depending on the course of this discussion, reasons stated by some individuals concerned could make them candidates to the second definition.

Commitment comes from the root word “commit”, meaning to put and join together.  This explains the formation of teams, be it civic, military or athletic.  Individuals are picked to compose these teams because they have the necessary skills, are assumed and supposedly willing to be part of it.  They are expected to sacrifice personal glory, ambition and enrichment for the common good.

Selection processes for team sports varies.  There could be try-outs and these take time.   Or, athletes could be pre-selected, invited and then formed into a training pool from where the final team composition will be made.  Yes, there will be perks.  From the barangay inter-colors where uniforms are coveted to professional and national teams where allowances and travel opportunities await.

I consider these species gifted and lucky as not all of us have the talent and skill to play and be part of a competitive team.  But some people blessed with these abilitiesdon’t get it, specially when it concerns playing for flag and country.   Like saying they love the team but can’t join because of reasons beyond their control.  Yeah, right.

The Bible says, “many had been called but few are chosen”.  This also holds true with sports teams.  Many long to be included in the lineup and by luck and talent have the country’s flag on their chest and be representatives in international competitions.  There will always be monetary considerations but still, the chance to be on the national team for most is already a privilege, allowances and other bonuses taking a back seat.

The case of pro athletes is different that even if they truly, madly, deeply wanted to be part of it, the decision is not theirs alone as they are bound by contracts and going against it could result in legal cases.  Ergo, commitment solely depends on the approval of one of the signatories on the contract.Puso alone can’t fight litigation.

From the start, the formation of Gilas III had been shakily controversial with players caught in the presumedcrossfire between two personalities that you-know-who are controlling several teams in the PBA.  The corporate politicking and power play could be real or imagined and we can’t blame the basketball population if they see it that way as frankly, almost anyone who knows the game in this part of the planet don’t need an expert analysis on the situation.  There are too many key players missing, yes, a fewof them with reasons beyond their control.

Gilas III is not the same as Gilas II.  They have different programs, different coaching styles, different personnel.  The third edition have several new faces, only have a few weeks of practice together and are troubled with injuries, both physical and mental.  It would be unwise to compare the present iteration to the extinct group.

The famed 'puso' still is pumping and ticking and was used as the main pitch in our bid to host the FIBA Worlds come 2019.  The FIBA organizing committee was impressed with the presentation but was in touch with reality.  What can puso really do if we lack the infrastructure and just have the luck of having unsolvable “non-fatal” traffic even the gods of Olympus have trouble comprehending.  Someone has to give a non-fatal blow to head of that guy who made the statement.

Gilas III cameback winless from a four-team mini tournament in Estonia losing to the host nation, The Netherlands and Iceland by an average margin of 15.6 points.  They went up against freakishly tall and mobile opponents.  Those missed outside shots killed us and playing inside, like Terence Romeo did several times, is maniacally suicidal.   Consider also that our naturalized alien is sporting a beer belly and the next healthy logical big man is less than 20 years from his senior citizen privileges.

SBP submitted a 24-man list to FIBA to be reduced to the final 12-man lineup for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championships in Changsha, China.  The list includes LA Laker Jordan Clarkson, NBA aspirant Ray Parks, college standout Kiefer Ravena, the still recuperating June Mar Fajardo, PBA rookies Mola Tautuaa and Troy Rosario and the one who cited uncontrollable reasons. If the NBA can have 34 stars accepting invitations to their national team, why can’t the PBA?

Granting that Clarkson satisfies all FIBA concerns and will be eligible to play, the Laker organization has to be considered and he needs to have the league’s consent.  NBA training camp is nearing and the Lakers probably would be hesitant to let Clarkson play with Gilas III and let him taunt injury.  Unlike Yao Ming when he first played for Houston, it was stipulated in his contract that he be allowed to play for China’s national team if the need arise.  Until the Lakers say yes to Clarkson’s Gilas stint, only then can we see the sun rise and rejoice.  For the moment, we’ve just passed midnight and struggling for dawn.

Beginning August 30 to September 6, Gilas III will be in Chinese Taipei for the 2015 William Jones Cup playing daily versus Taipei Blue, South Korea, Russia, Japan, Iran, New Zealand, USA and Taipei White.  How they will fare depends on the 12-man composition taken from the pool of 24.

Here’s to the Gilas III.  May our campaign be fruitful and may recent developments improve our chances.  And let’s do away with commitment because as long as the system of recruiting players is being held hostage by their mother clubs, the Gilas and all its future incarnations might as well join our Philippine Eagle on the endangered list.

Belated birthday greetings to my Pa-in-law and number one fan, Dodong Gamay Frasco. Pa May is still bicycling at 67.  Unya, sukol mo?