What’s Wrong With Gilas Pilipinas?

The Gilas Pilipinas Men's Basketball program has been through a rollercoaster of ups and downs since its inception in 2009.

Photo Insert: The Philippines' love for basketball clashes with systemic issues in the Gilas Pilipinas Men's Basketball program.

This program has had its fair share of jaw-dropping moments, including an unexpected upset against South Korea in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship and a remarkable victory against Senegal in the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

However, the team's recent performances have been lackluster, and it is high time to address the underlying issues to elevate the program to new heights.

One of the major problems facing the program is a lack of stability within the coaching staff. With multiple coaches coming and going, the team has struggled to build upon past victories and establish a winning culture. The lack of continuity has also resulted in a lack of player development and team chemistry.

But fear not, there is a way to overcome this difficulty! The program must develop a long-term plan for coaching and player development, prioritizing the training and advancement of local coaches.

The program should also invest in player development initiatives to identify and train potential talents at a young age. With this approach, the program will establish a strong foundation for the future and cultivate a culture of long-term success.

Another major issue that the program is grappling with is the lack of a clear growth pathway for young players. This lack of a structured development path puts young players at a disadvantage, and they have to navigate a complex system to get noticed by the national team.

The program needs to create a comprehensive and well-structured growth pathway for young players, with grassroots programs and developmental leagues that recognize and train young talent. By doing so, the program can establish a steady supply of talent for the national team and create a clear path for young players to reach the top level.

The team's reliance on naturalized players has also become a major concern with the heavy dependence on players like Andray Blatche, Ange Kouame, and Justin Brownlee.

While these players help the team succeed, overreliance on them can hinder the development of local players and stunt the program's growth in the long run. The program needs to strike a balance between depending on naturalized players and fostering indigenous talent, engaging in local player development initiatives, and giving young players opportunities to gain experience at the top level.

The program's communication and transparency with its participants must also be improved. Recently, players like Poy Erram and Schonny Winston have expressed dissatisfaction with the program and its leadership, citing a lack of transparency and communication.

The coaching staff should keep the players informed of their duties and expectations, and they should be open to feedback and suggestions from the players. By doing so, the program may strengthen its relationships with its participants and foster a more positive and supportive environment.

Lastly, the program is in dire need of more investment. Despite basketball being the most popular sport in the Philippines, there is a lack of investment at all levels of the program.

Currently, it is shouldered mostly by Manny V. Pangilinan, telecommunications tycoon and chairman emeritus of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), with a standing commitment to cover two World Cup cycles—this year’s, which the country is hosting, and four years later, in 2027.

Therefore, this initiative will require more private sponsors as well as increased government support to create training facilities and infrastructure that will help new talent develop. With more investment, the program will become more sustainable and resilient, allowing it to compete with the best teams in the world.

In conclusion, the Gilas Pilipinas Men's Basketball program has seen its share of highs and lows, but there is still a lot of room for growth and improvement. By addressing these concerns, the program can become more sustainable and successful, and elevate itself to the top level of international basketball.

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