Gilas Pilipinas: Defensive anemia exposed
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 18 Aug 2014
FANS and critics were one in praising the Gilas Pilipinas national basketball squad for its strong stand against the 5th-ranked French national squad over the weekend.
Gilas Pilipinas, as unanimously observed, did push France to the limit, before yielding by only seven points (75-68) at the buzzer.
These same observers however went their separate ways after the Philippine national team was mangled by 9th-ranked Australia (97-75) in the four-team pocket tournament staged in Antibes, France.
**
In a story by-lined by my friend Joe Antonio, veteran sports editor, People?s Tonite said Australia was too tall and strong.
There were others who claimed Gilas Pilipinas had an off-night.
What obviously got overlooked was the critical fold-up by Gilas in the closing quarter after the national team had ably stayed with tough Australia in the earlier stages.
**
A most bothersome weakness of the Philippine team that got exposed in that defeat was its anemic defense.
The first three quarters were virtual scrimmages, with both sides scoring almost at will.
There was a stunning shift however after Australia put its foot down to mount an unshakeable pressing defense.
At the same time, the Australians came up with a dazzling attacks plotted around the backcourt area.
**
Maybe the quicker Gilas flank defenders had wanted to do something, but were instead often caught stunned, if not totally paralyzed, by the ongoing blitzkrieg.
Meanwhile, a flash report that came in while this column was being written said Gilas Pilipinas dropped its final match in the pocket league against unranked Ukraine by an even more awful margin (114-64).
Poor defense, just like in the fall against Australia, clearly led to the Gilas Pilipinas undoing against Ukraine.
**
Curiously, naturalized Philippine team pillar Andray Blatche did not suit up against Ukraine in an effort to save him from any on-floor accident or injury.
Of course, it has remained unclear what exact role Blatche will be made to play for Gilas Pilipinas.
Will be be mainly involved in point production?
Or will he function as defensive pillar and facilitator?
The best that could be said?and hoped?is that Gilas Pilipinas could be saving its toughest best for the FIBA World Cup tournament proper.
However, defensive anemia is a very serious affliction that takes time and tremendous effort to correct.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
ACCRA WEIGH-IN RESULTS: RICHARDS AND AZEEZ PREPARE FOR HISTORIC CLASH
Sat, 20 Dec 2025Two USA Boxing Junior National Champions Invited to Attend Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Bout Friday in Miami
Sat, 20 Dec 2025Ramon Cardenas Scores One Punch Knockout Over Erik Robles in Main Event of ProBoxTV’s The Contender Series
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: The Jig Is Up
By Chris Carlson, Fri, 19 Dec 2025January 31: Rohan Polanco-Christian Gomez Confirmed as Co-Feature to Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Title Unification Showdown at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua Tip the Scales Ahead of Netflix Heavyweight Spectacle in Miami
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 19 Dec 2025Suelo rules Thailand chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 19 Dec 2025RICHARDS AND AZEEZ SET FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN AS SOUTH LONDON LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS FACE-OFF AT PRESS CONFERENCE IN GHANA
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Brooklyn’s undefeated Pryce Taylor Called one of top heavyweight prospects in U.S.
Fri, 19 Dec 2025INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS AS GIORGIO VISOLI OVERCOMES TOUGH JOE HOWARTH – AND TIAH-MAI AYTON WINS AGAIN
Thu, 18 Dec 2025Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Merry Fistmas’ at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Tomorrow Night at 7 pm ET
Thu, 18 Dec 2025Undefeated Jose Tito Sanchez Returns to Face Jesus Ramirez Rubio in Super Bantamweight Main Event on Friday
Thu, 18 Dec 2025Three boxers aim for finals
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 17 Dec 2025BOOM! Terence Crawford Stuns the World with Retirement at 42-0
By Dong Secuya, Wed, 17 Dec 2025Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: The Biggest “Crossroads” Fight Ever!
By Ralph Rimpell, Wed, 17 Dec 2025