Tab Baldwin keenly observes Gilas during one of the team’s practices at Meralco Gym. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
As Gilas Pilipinas prepares for the grind ahead of the Fiba Asia Championship, head coach Tab Baldwin knows the dozen he has possesses the “most dangerous” lineups he can field during the games.
“These 12 present us with the most dangerous fives we could assemble,” Baldwin said Wednesday during the team’s practice at Meralco Gym in Pasig. “That’s where we [are] right now.”
READ: SBP names Gilas Pilipinas Final 12 roster for 2015 Fiba Asia Championships
Baldwin’s Gilas remained almost intact from the roster he brought to the Jones Cup with Jimmy Alapag, Moala Tautuaa, Troy Rosario, Gary David, and Aldrech Ramos left off from the final lineup.
“We chose 12, there weren’t many head-to-head selections the coaches discussed. We we’re trying to say which fives worked well for us.”
READ: Abueva, Romeo lead Gilas Pilipinas final 12; Clarkson out
Baldwin and his coaching staff looked into different aspects of the game and decided on the players who will fill in the lineup.
“There are so many things to think about, defense, rebounding, shooting, attacking, penetration, and there are so many combination of five guys.”
Despite being cut from the final lineup, Rosario and David were present at the team practice on Wednesday.
Both players are tabbed as reserves in case a player gets injured.
Baldwin described the reserve duo as “great servants” and were honored the players’ clubs, Talk N’ Text and Meralco, which allowed Rosario and David to stay with Gilas.
“We need the extra bodies,” Baldwin said. “One’s got a great future, one’s got a great past.” RAM