This appears on philstar.com
Looking at the Sinag
national team 2015
by rick olivares
Sinag 2015 lineup: Baser Amer, Mark Belo, Marcus
Douthit, Kevin Ferrer, Glenn Khobuntin, Jovanni Jalalon, Garvo Lanete, Ray
Parks, Kiefer Ravena, Thirdy Ravena, Prince Rivero, Troy Rosario, Jeron Teng,
Norbert Torres, Arnold Van Opstal, and Almond Vosotros.
How was the team chosen among the pool of 20
candidates: The team was chosen based on – how well they did during tryouts,
their defensive capabilities, and a breakdown of players – scorers, stoppers,
players who could play multiple positions, chemistry, and role players.
Where is
Roi Sumang, Mike Tolomia, and Gelo Alolino?
First and foremost, Coach Tab Baldwin said that just
because a player was cut that doesn’t mean he isn’t good or they do not want
him. The fact that they were invited means the coaching staff thought highly of
them. One practice does not a person make; hence, several. Having said that…
Roi didn’t have very good trials. He in fact admitted
it. He also struggled defensively the last time he was in Sinag. He missed a
number of practices that also did not help.
Mike went to the tryouts somewhat out of shape more
so he had just gotten back from a vacation. Some thought he wasn’t great
defensively and that isn’t what was in the picture.
Gelo Alolino… they know he can score but the lineup
has enough scoring guards.
As painful as it was to cut some players, it had to
be done.
Why was
Thirdy Ravena on the list? Is this the Ateneo connection?
If your basis was the last UAAP season then you’re
right. But Thirdy was fantastic during the trials. Blocking people and dunking
on guys. The coaching staff was pleasantly surprised.
One of the reasons why he was chosen is the coaching
staff wanting to bring in some younger guys and get them exposed right away. He
may or may not make the final cut but the experience will help him. Jolo
Mendoza was even considered but… it is too early. He will get his chance.
Ateneo connection? There are only TWO Blue Eagles and
FIVE DLSU GREEN ARCHERS.
How is
Prince Rivero on the team?
Coach Tab likes Prince’s smarts and hustle. He
believes that there is so much more to this kid and he will bring a lot to the
table for Sinag.
How did
Jiovanni Jalalon make the squad?
One cannot overlook the NCAA. They’ve got quite a lot
of talent. If there was any sleeper during the tryouts it was Jalalon. He has
changed from an inconsistent and turnover prone player to a dependable one for
the Arellano Chiefs. And he continued to play that way during the tryouts.
Coach Tab really doesn’t like talking about
individual players as it takes away from the team concept he espouses. But he
made it clear that the choices weren’t about personalities or even
affiliations.
In fact, you’d be really surprised to know who that
16th man was (and who almost didn’t make the cut).
This team has size, speed, dexterity, and talent. And
they hope to bag a pair of gold medals in the next two months.
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