On social media and national lineups

It cannot be helped. In this age of interactive media, where sports fans can talk back to their chosen games and stars, there is inevitably some disappointment when favorite players don’t get named to the national team.

This is going to be a reality in popular sports like basketball, volleyball and in boxing, in case more names come up after Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s reign as “Pambansang Kamao” (National Fist).”

National coaches don’t really have to bow to what is being demanded by netizens, who can be both insightful or outright demanding.

The exclusion of Ateneo setter Jia Morado and offensive cannon Marck Espejo from the announced names of the national pool for women’s and men’s volleyball sparked a loud online discussion.
Fans apparently had thought that the two players had participated in the tryouts given their outstanding UAAP performances.

However, an “administrative slip” later admitted by organizers revealed that the two did not receive their invitations. A special tryout is supposedly in the works but as to whether Morado and Espejo participate remains to be seen.

The same will be true for Gilas coach Chot Reyes as he tries to form the pool for the Southeast Asia Basketball Association and the other international tournaments. Many fan favorites will be included and some will be excluded, as part of a coach’s framework for what he or she feels could be the winning formula.

Fans can express their sentiments because sports is all about having an opinion. There are those who are incisive with their posts and do deserve some consideration. And as in any media platform, there are the ruthless ones.

Opinions are most welcome whether in lengthy posts on Facebook or in 140 characters on Twitter. Let’s just make the discussion honest and respectful while keeping it lively and vibrant.

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