IF THE Fiba Asia Men’s Championship in China on September 23 is the Gilas Pilipinas’ true test, then consider this week-long training camp here in the Queen City of the South to be their version of cramming.
With American-New Zealander head coach Tab Baldwin serving as the team’s strict taskmaster, the Nationals have been put to their paces each day in an effort to refine their skills in time for the tournament that dangles a spot to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics next year.
And though each and every player of the 14-man unit have been on their best behavior, even the best pupils need a recess every once in a while.
And that is the balance that the team’s management headed by team manager Butch Antonio have been credited with striking the perfect balance with as for the second day in a row, the Gilas spent their day at the Maribago Bluewater Cebu, another posh resort, a day after they were rewarded with a stay at the Plantation Bay resort.
All this is needed and very much appreciated says Gilas wingman Gabe Norwood.
“It’s always a good time when we get a chance to get away even for just a while,” said the athletic two-guard from Rain or Shine and one of four holdovers from the previous Gilas squad that won silver at the 2013 Fiba Asia Men’s Championship in Manila.
Shortly after arriving at the said resort, several players namely Terrence Romeo, Marc Pingris and the ageless Asi Taulava frolicked in the sand, basked in the sun and took in the sights of various islands via a jetski ride.
Jayson Castro, another former international campaigner for the Gilas, concurred with Norwood’s sentiments and added that this Cebu trip is doing wonders for their chemistry, both on and off the floor.
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