Despite the failed campaign at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, it was a step towards the right direction.
That is what former national head coach Yeng Guiao believes after Gilas lost to France and New Zealand, ending hopes of a shot at entering the Olympics.
"This is not a failure to me," said Guiao.
While Guiao believes the experience will help future campaigns, he also explains that that the country’s bid for an Olympic spot was doomed from the start because the opposition was simply too good and too strong.
The fiery Rain or Shine mentor also suffices the need for longer preparation.
"This is a step taken in the right direction. Two months will not suffice for the training of the national team… maybe two years will not suffice, although we have started Gilas… 4.0 Gilas na to di ba? Baka 7.0 or 8.0 Gilas tayo bago tayo mag-succeed."
"Because there is no shortcut," added Guiao.
"I think we should be proud of our national team, they (Gilas) gave France a scare, and gave New Zealand a tough time, considering the lack of practice time together," said Guiao.
"Ibang level kasi tong competition na to. If our purpose is to make the Olympics, or the World Championships, the best way to get there is through the FIBA Asia, hindi dito sa back door – like the Olympic Qualifying Tournament."
Guiao adds, "Kasi makakalaban mo talaga tough European teams. We must understand that after the NBA, ang pinaka-mabigat na level ng basketball is Europe. After Europe is South America, after South America, Africa. Saka pa lang papasok yung Asia."
Guiao also agrees that the Olympic Qualifying Tournament was just a puncher's chance for Gilas to make it to the Olympics.
"Alam naman natin na itong qualifying tournament na to is baka sakali lang," said Guiao. "Hindi natin nakuha doon sa FIBA Asia (after losing to Rio-bound China in the Finals), we’re trying to do it this way."
"Ang mahirap kasi dito is kailangan tsambahan mo yung European teams, tsambahan mo France and then New Zealand. Sa FIBA Asia, kapag nalusutan mo yung Korea and Japan, tsambahan mo lang yung China or Iran, which is more realistic and doable," he said.
"I think our preparation (for the next tournament) should be beating China or beating Iran, instead of beating European teams. Dun muna tayo mag-umpisa. But it’s a process," added Guiao.
As for the Gilas Cadets program, Guiao isn't exactly warm about its re-entry.
"I guess the biggest mistake we can make is kapag hindi na nagpa-participate ang PBA with their best players. If we go back to the cadet system, that will set us back again," said Guiao.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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