Gilas Pilipinas after its win over Iran. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
More than the hours dedicated in practice, the time spent off the court is as vital to the makings of a team.
As for Gilas Pilipinas, its 18-day training camp in Europe will serve as the team’s opportunity to grow and the players to get to know one another on a deeper level.
Take it from Jimmy Alapag, who’s already retired from national team duties and yet still looked up to as the captain of the Philippine team.
“Those training camps abroad are so important, considering there’s such a short time of preparation to get ready for the qualifiers. Not only just the court time because you’re going to practice two to three times a day almost the whole trip, it’s just the time together,” said Alapag, who last wore the country’s colors two years ago in the Incheon Asian Games.
“For some of those guys who are playing for Gilas for the first time, to get a chance to know the guys that have been there for a considerable amount of time, that’s really as important as the court time because the dynamic of the relationships change and that has an adverse effect on the court to building those relationships off the court.”
Gilas is currently in Kapernisi, Greece for the homestretch for its preparation for the Fiba Olympic qualifiers.
From Greece, the Nationals will head to Istanbul, Turkey for a tune-up game against the Turkish national team before wrapping up their camp in Bologna, Italy where they will play against the host nation, Canada and China.
“I’m excited for those guys. I miss being with them. It’s one of the greatest parts about playing for Gilas. Of course, the competition, but you get a chance to get to know those guys on a deeper level,” said the 38-year-old Alapag, who is still playing in the PBA for the Meralco Bolts.
“It’s not just guys you compete with throughout the year, it’s your teammates and you’re not just fighting for your PBA team, you’re fighting for your country. And getting an opportunity to get to know one another, it’s a great part of the process.”