Role players to make difference for Nationals

MANILA, Philippines - Comes now the new Gilas Pilipinas.

While past national teams had put emphasis on gunners, the current Gilas squad boasts of role players, each ready to play specific roles for their mission of winning the Asian championship for the first time since 1986.

“The team is loaded with role players, and we’re well aware we’ll play different roles,” said Ranidel de Ocampo, among the team’s senior players.

But Bogs Adornado, among the all-time greatest Filipino cagers, said such was the case during their time – the waning years of the golden era of the Philippines in the regional meet.

“Tembong Melencio and Dave Regullano were good examples of role players in our time,” said Adornado.

 “We don’t have much gunners but we’ll contend for the crown. We’re motivated and focused to go to Rio,” said De Ocampo on their resolve to rule the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha and advance to the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil next year.

 “We know what our roles are. There’s Gabe (Norwood) who knows he’ll defend the likes of Nikkhah Bahrami. Matt (Rosser) will do the same. Calvin (Abueva) will provide energy, Asi (Taulava) is our big brother/leader, from Sonny (Thoss) as a big man will come perimeter shooter,” De Ocampo pointed out.

 “We’re lucky Ping (Marc Pingris) is with us. He’s a four guy who’s a veteran and experienced player. JC (Intal) is a big three-point shooter who’s also a leaper. Jayson (Castro) and Terrence (Romeo) are both playmakers and scorers,” De Ocampo also said.