Chris Lutz discovers his Philippine roots while suiting up for Smart Gilas

Chris Lutz discovers his Philippine roots while suiting up for Smart Gilas
by rick olivares

Chris Lutz grew up in Bedford, New Hampshire vaguely aware of his Filipino heritage. His mother, Luzviminda barely spoke the vernacular in their household having moved to the United States. But when the invitation to attend the Smart Gilas Philippine National Team training camp at the Joe Abunassar Impact Camp in Las Vegas arrived, he didn’t even think twice about boarding the plane to start connecting the dots to his roots.

The style of intelligent team basketball espoused by internationally renowned Serbian Coach Rajko Toroman was something he deeply appreciated which is why one of several reasons why he transferred from Purdue to Marshall University. With the Boilermakers, he was made a spot up shooter; a three-point specialist. For the Thundering Herd, he didn’t just make living draining triples but he got to expand his game by slashing to the basket for a pull-up or finding teammates for buckets. “I grew up idolizing Michael Jordan (and later Kobe Bryant),” said Lutz. “I mean who didn’t? They didn’t simply score; they got teammates involved.”

The 24-year old Business Management major liked enough of what he experienced that he flew in to Manila last July 31 to once more join the Gilas team in training even if only for two weeks. It was his first time in the Philippines and the transition isn’t difficult because the country is so westernized. “I can’t wait to see more,” says the captain of this year’s Thundering Herd that plays in the Conference USA. “I have one more year in college and playing under Coach Donnie Jones then we can focus on Gilas,” said the 6’3” shooting guard. His team is an intriguing mix of young and veteran players. “Hopefully, we will do better this year.”

Lutz averaged 10.7 points and 2.4 rebounds while shooting at a .367% clip last season for a young Thundering Herd squad that finished seventh in the Conference USA with an overall record of 15-17. He also led Marshall in made three-pointers (65) and three-point percentage (.374). He placed fourth in three-point percentage and was seventh in the league in made three-point field goals per game (2.32). His career game came in a match against Tulane where he scored a total of 37 points with 34 coming in the second half.

And as a freshman with Purdue, he made the Big Ten All Freshman team.

“That guy can play,” said the Tropang Texters Assistant Coach Aboy Castro who marveled at Lutz’ ability to rifle in triples with accuracy during inter-squad scrimmages between Smart Gilas and Talk ‘N Text. “Wait until he gets more comfortable playing with those guys.”

“It was okay with Coach Donnie for me to come out and play with Gilas because if it helps me grow with my skills that that can help our team. Besides, it’s pretty much normal for that to happen” explained Lutz who will be leaving for home soon as classes are set to start. “I have a teammate (guard-forward) Dago Peña who also plays for the Dominican Republic.”

“I think it’s a great time to come back and revisit my roots,” he said after practice at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center at the Ateneo de Manila University.

“Playing with the Gilas team is fun and as a basketball junkie, you appreciate that they are smart and knowledgeable about the game,” he glowed about this exciting new chapter in his life. He was particularly impressed with its team captain Chris Tiu, shooting guard jayvee Casio, and forward Marnel Baracael who he described as fearless. “And it’s just the way I like it – total team ball. I’m going to focus on having a great college basketball season and once it’s done, I’ll see how I can help the Philippines. For sure, I’d love to be around the game for a long long time.”