Who would you pick as the next coach of Gilas?
After the worst finish in the history of Philippine basketball in the Asian Game last September, the Samahan ng Basketbol ng Pilipinas relieved Chot Reyes as a head coach, and now it is searching for a new leader.
Names are floating around as candidates of the vacant coaching position in the Philippine Basketball. A very challenging job but the coach must be blamed for a failure to bring forth victories.
Here are the possible names that can elevate basketball in the Philippines in international competition.
Robert Jaworski
Robert “Sonny” Jaworski added his name on Wednesday as having an interest in coaching the national team. In attendance in the Allen Iverson charity game, Jaworski told reporters, ““It’s gonna be a tough job. But I think taking a serious look at it is not a bad idea because it’s a calling”.
He was once called “The Living Legend” of the Philippine Basketball, Jaworski once led the Philippine National team into a silver medal in 1990 Asian Games in Beijing, China.
The 1990 Asian Games was the first time the national team was composed of PBA players. Jaworski had the complete and the best roster in the Philippines at that time. PBA Greats like Benjie Paras, Alvin Patrimonio, Allan Caidic, Ronnie Magsanoc, Ramon Fernandez, Hector Calma and the high flying Samboy Lim were part of the roster. Moreover, Zaldy Realubit, Chito Loyzaga, Rey Cuenco and Dante Gonzalgo were added to the nucleus. The Philippines suffered a 74-90 loss in the Finals.
Jaworski led the best finish by a Philippine team in the Asian Games. With the recent desire of Jaworkski, will he be considered by SBP? Can he be an effective coach in this generation?
Norman Black
Norman Black is a great coach, winning 10 PBA titles and five in the UAAP. Black coached the 1994 Philippine team in Asian Games that finished fourth.
At that time, the Philippines didn’t have the best of the PBA. The PBA had decided to send the All-Filipino Cup champions to the Hiroshima Asian Games. San Miguel Beermen earned the right when they beat Coney Island.
Calma, Agustin, and Caidic were the prominent names from San Miguel team. Black picked Patrimonio, Jerry Codinera, Johnny Abbarientos, Kenneth Duremdes, and Marlou Aquino to boost the roster.
What if Black team had more time in preparing for the game? Black’s assoaciation with Manny Pangilinan might be one of the forces that he would be considered.
Tim Cone
Tim Cone is the most decorated PBA coach. He led the Philippine team into a bronze medal in 1998. Because of the failure to select the best of the PBA in 1994, Cone had been given the access to have the best roster possible.
Former National team standouts Patrimonio, Caidic, Abbarientos, Duremdes, Aquino were in the team. Also included were Olsen Racela, Vergel Meneses, Jun Limpot, Dennis Espino, Andy Seigle and Jojo Lastimosa.
The current success of Cone in the PBA would pull the trigger on SMB committee to give him another try.
Tab Baldwin
Tab Baldwin, consultant for Gilas Pilipinas since the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships, could be the anointed one if the SMB selection committee will take into different way, an outside mind who is familiar with international basketball.
Baldwin led the New Zealand national team in winning the 2001 FIBA Oceana Championships. He inspired the same team in reaching the semi-finals of the 2002 FIBA World Championships.
Other possible names:
Eric Altamirano
Yeng Guiao
Manny Pacquiao?
Who would you select?
