‘Run-and-fun’ squad takes its turn as Gilas Pilipinas

Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone during a game against Iran in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Gilas Pilipinas shifts from the euphoria of completing a home sweep in the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers to making sure it can defend its gold medal in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Coach Tim Cone is making a quick turnaround as he is now set to handle a completely different lineup—and even a completely different system—for the continental showcase set Sept. 10 to 20.

“From what I’ve seen from that team, they’re a lot of fun to watch,” Cone said. “I think the fans and the countrymen are gonna have a lot of fun watching that team.”

An all-PBA squad will comprise the team for the Asiad, with a spot reserved for Justin Brownlee should he decide to return after skipping the window.

NLEx’s Robert Bolick and Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum are among the notable candidates to make the Asiad roster, with their games seemingly fitting the team’s playing style.

On the other hand, three players from the window pool will move into the Asiad buildup: Converge twin towers Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana and Barangay Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos.

Abarrientos didn’t make the cut for the window, Baltazar saw limited action against Jordan, while Arana was placed in the final 12 against Iran after Carl Tamayo went down with a sprained ankle.

Cone said Arana had already trained with the Asian Games squad, while Baltazar and Abarrientos will have to get up to speed when they join Tuesday’s practice.

Assistants Richard del Rosario, Josh Reyes and Jong Uichico were tasked to oversee the Asiad preparations while Cone was busy with the Qualifiers, and Cone has allowed that squad to go in a different direction.

“It’s a different system, they’re not playing my system,” Cone said. “They’re playing a different system, and more of an up-tempo, push the ball because they’re a little bit smaller. Obviously they’re smaller because they don’t have Kai [Sotto] and AJ [Edu] and June Mar [Fajardo] playing.

“So they’re smaller, so they’re gonna use their speed and quickness to get up and down the floor. So it’ll be really interesting to watch and see how they play against Jordan or Iran, and kinda compare them to the window team.” INQ