KAT isn't the only threat they have; they also boast several shooters and taller, physical players. However, if we manage to contain KAT's presence in the paint, the games could become quite exhilarating. Gilas has strong outside shooters, and the fans' support could play a significant role in inspiring their performance.
With Junemar Fajardo, AJ Edu, Japeth Aguilar, and Kai Sotto, these big players will likely pose challenges for KAT in the paint. While it's difficult to directly compare an NBA player to a non-NBA player, it's plausible that KAT could face double-team defenses from our bigs.
I think these bigs are enough to slow down KAT. They do not necessarily need to totally stop him. They just need to slow him down and force mistakes and awkward shots. Individually, they will not slow down KAT but if a system is in place to counter KAT, then there is a possibility they can contain him.
I don't have my list since I don't want to disappoint myself. I know coach Chot will have a surprise for every gilas fan.
It would be surprising if Abando isn't included in the final 12. I'm confident that fans would be disappointed and might criticize the coach's decision once again.
I would also like to see Abando play for Gilas this year. The last time he was in the lineup, he did not get enough playing time to showcase his skills. We all know that this guy has the heart for the game and will give everything just to win. Now that Scottie Thompson is cleared to play, I am guessing Abando will be included in the lineup. But we will see how the coach will choose the final 12.
That's a double-digit loss, but it was close in the first half. The second half is the most important, and that's where the Gilas are tested to see if they have good chemistry and are playing as one. There's no doubt about Vucevic being an NBA star and a dominant big man. However, when compared to KAT, we know who the better big man is, and it's obviously KAT. Not only can he penetrate inside, but he's also a good 3-point shooter. So, despite Montenegro having a better ranking than the Dominican Republic, I think the latter is the better team because the ranking was created when KAT was not yet confirmed to play.
It is a good tune-up game. They lost double-digit but I guess they get what they needed to fix their system. I saw in the score box that Fajardo and Ramos were able to help in the scoring with 19 and 13 points respectively. That is already good because that could take away the pressure from Clarkson to score. Maybe they can fix the turnovers and protect the ball better. The Dominican Republic can be the better team, but Gilas was able to experience the brand of basketball in that region through Montenegro. They will be better prepared for KAT and the Dominican Republic when they meet come August 25.
