MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas Pilipinas is looking forward to a decent finish in the PBA Commissioners Cup as it takes on reigning champion Talk N’ Text on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“We’re all excited about our return stint in the PBA,” said Smart Gilas team captain Chris Tiu, Best Wingman in last January’s Dubai Invitational where they finished runner-up.
The Nationals, who are using their second PBA trip to toughen up for this September’s FIBA-Asia Championship in Wuhan, China, appeared impressive in their four tune-up games, winning close games over the Meralco Bolts, Alaska Aces and San Miguel Beermen and drawing with the Brgy. Ginebra Kings.
“We’re looking good, we haven’t lost a game yet in four tune up matches,” said the former Ateneo hotshot.
Tiu said their only concern right now is minor injuries to some players and academic commitments by some.
JV Casio, Best Guard of the Dubai tilt two years ago, is nursing a groin injury he sustained early in the month and could be doubtful when the Nationals face the Tropang Texters in their first PBA game since participating in the play-for-pay league two seasons back.
Japeth Aguilar is back from a knee injury he suffered late last year but is not yet 100 percent while Fil-Am seven-footer Greg Slaughter and long-limbed wingman Aldrech Ramos are focusing on their studies at Ateneo and Far Eastern U, respectively.
Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman and manager Frankie Lim sound optimistic.
“We’re holding our own but there are still so many things we need to improve on,” said Toroman, who is hoping to give the Filipinos a trip to the 2012 London Olympics with a championship in the 2011 FIBA-Asia tiff.
“I’m sure we’ll be toughened up by the official games we’ll play in the PBA. We’re looking forward to our PBA stint which could help us a lot,” he added.
“Generally, the team is in high spirits. We know it will be tough playing in the pros but we’re confident we can hold our own,” said Lim.
The Nationals will be bannered by naturalization candidate Marcus Douthit, who at 6-10 could be a dominant force facing imports with a maximum height limit of only 6-foot-4.
Co-skipper Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Marcio Lassiter, Dylan Ababou, Jason Ballesteros and Chris Lutz are the other members of Smart Gilas.
Smart Gilas is also out to duplicate the feat of Northern Consolidated in 1984 when the Nationals then topped Manila Beer for the Reinforced Conference crown.