Smart Gilas Falls to Qatar, Comes In Fourth.

Too little D, too many turnovers, too many fouls, too little outside shots.
And that is the story of how Smart Gilas ended up in fourth place int he 2011 FIBA-Asia Champions Cup.

Smart Gilas lost to Qatar, 64-71, because of atrocious shooting (3-24 from threepoint land), horrible boxing out (gave up 20 offensive rebounds) and non-existent defense that allowed Al Rayyan to stave off the Gilas challenge.

Game story here.



Still, the tournament has shown us what is truly important: that this Gilas team is the best prepared national team we've had since NCC in the 80's. Their offensive sets are crisp, their plays are picture perfect and their energy and enthusiasm have no bounds.

There are still some holes but I feel that Gilass 2011 can beat up both Gilas 2010 and 2009, as well as the pro national teams we've had in the last decade.

To Gilas, congratulations! Time to get ready for the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup.  t