"Taulava on RP team: ‘We have some unfinished business"

Taulava on RP team: ‘We have some unfinished business’

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

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MANILA, Philippines - People used to question Asi Taulava’s roots. But nobody can ever doubt where Taulava’s soul is rooted.

Not after being named to his third RP national team. And most certainly not after being the first guy to raise his hand and holler at his availability to play for flag and country.

“I’m here to support the team. I volunteered myself. Coach [Yeng Guiao] accepted me. Now it’s time to play basketball.”

Taulava’s heft - all 260lbs packed in his 6-9 frame - is most welcome in an undersized squad. But his heart is what makes him stand out, something which could act as a driving force for a RP team still searching for international glory.

“We have some unfinished business,” he declared.

Taulava has been longing for some closure on the Asian basketball scene for some time now, failing in his first two tries in 2002 and ‘07.

In the World Championship qualifiers next year, he hopes a third tour of duty - and the country’s umpteenth bid - won’t end in defeat.

“I just want to win a medal,” Taulava said, referring to the 2009 Fiba-Asia tournament where the top three teams will be given slots to the prestigious 2010 Worlds.

“I’m at the latter end of my career and that’s what motivates me. Hopefully we get a good placing and book ourselves a seat in the World Championships.”

That would be a fitting ending for somebody who has known only disappointment wearing the Stars and Sun.

Taulava’s 2002 campaign in the Korea Asian Games was smoked by a last-second three-pointer by the hosts in the semifinals.

His 2007 attempt was shot down in the Olympic qualifiers after the country’s preparations were marred by an international suspension and an appearance in the “group of death” during the tournament.

Six years since his first overseas tournament, Taulava said he’s learned a lot about the international game: It’s more physical and the refs don’t tolerate bickering teams.

“Fiba basketball is brutal. It’s like mixed martial arts and basketball put together,” Taulava, who turns 36 next March, said.

“I’m telling the younger guys, it’s not the PBA. You can’t complain about pretty much anything. You gotta play 40 minutes of basketball, not take a break in any minute or any second. Because once you do, the next thing you know, the game is over.”

A man of his size makes Taulava a shoo-in for any RP team. He’s not as skilled offensively as most Asians have been developing recently but with Taulava patrolling the paint, at least the Nationals have a body who they can throw against opposing bigs and at the same time give them some scoring.

But the one-time PBA MVP wants his teammates to value his experience in the same way that they value his imposing physique.

“I look forward to teaching the younger guys whatever I learned in my first two trips to a Fiba [International Basketball Federation]tournament. And hopefully, I can lead them and guide them along the way.”

But the clock is ticking. The Nationals need to produce in the World qualifiers next year - possibly Taulava’s last as a RP team member - because the reality is nobody close to Taulava’s brawn is seen coming in to fill in his size-15 shoes any time soon. In short, while the country’s version of Shaq is still around, some hay needs to be made.

Taulava doesn’t shy away from his responsibilities to the team. But he expects his teammates to be up to the task as well.

“I’m just one piece of the puzzle in this team. Coach won’t hear any complaints from me regarding any hard practices or any practices for that matter or any styles he wants us to play. We need to play hard and well. And we need to play to win.”

Serious, fun opening to RP team training camp

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Coach Yeng Guiao meets with Team Pilipinas for the first time in practice on Monday at The Arena in San Juan

MANILA, Philippines – Yeng Guiao set the perfect mood to get his players pumped up for a serious task at hand.

He let them have fun and play loose.

For the first time in a scrimmage environment, the RP team coach met on Monday 12 of the 14 players he will take to the Fiba-Asia Championships next year in Guangzhou, China.

Typical of any Day One atmosphere in previous national training camps, Guiao and his players spent more time bonding and building some chemistry than running through X’s and O’s and triangles and zones.

“Everything’s gonna be light. We’re not gonna burn you out. We’re not gonna overextend you, guys. We just wanna be able to practice the skills that you’ll need in order to execute our offense,” Guiao told his players at The Arena in San Juan.

First-time RP pool members Cyrus Baguio, Jared Dillinger, Willie Miller, Ryan Reyes, Arwind Santos, and Sonny Thoss joined veterans Ranidel de Ocampo, Jayjay Helterbrand, Gabe Norwood, Mick Pennisi, Kerby Raymundo, and Asi Taulava in the opening of camp.

James Yap, who was under the weather, was on the bench and did not participate in the drills. Kelly Williams was nursing an eye injury and did not attend.

“We’ll just be breaking the ice, just make us be familiar with each other,” Guiao said.

The one-hour session looked more like a playground gig, but Guiao used the moment to profile his players’ strengths and weaknesses.

He urged Taulava to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket. He approved of Helterbrand’s fancy shake-and-bake in one instance before he pulled up for a 16-footer. He liked the times Thoss played the one-on-one game, a huge departure from his pinch-post-passing role in Alaska’s triangle offense.

“For example, the big men will have to learn to shoot the ball from the elbow,” Guiao said. “We’ll also run a lot of pick-and-rolls and drive-and-kicks so the guards will have to hit it in a catch-and-shoot situation.”

Guiao gave his players pointers about the system he would like to use. When the timing was right, he spiked his instructions with punchlines.

In one instance where he tried to reach out to his players’ sense of motivation, he dropped a one-liner at Pennisi. “With your talent, guys, and with your intelligence - not you, Mick…”

Serious and fun was meshing seamlessly.

But the humor was just a way to get his message across to his men, a tactic wherein one doesn’t have to be a psychology major to realize its value.

Guiao may have been humoring the players. He may have been communicating his thoughts to individuals. But in the end, he was clearly addressing the team, the whole.

“Remember, in this team, there’s not one, two, or three guys that are gonna be responsible in winning games. We will not let one guy take over the game and ask him to carry this team on his shoulders and win the game for us,” Guiao said.

“Everybody’s responsible. Nobody has to score 30 points for this team to win. All you guys need to do is to take the open shots, look for your open teammates, ran the patterns, and make good decisions. That’s it. That’s how we’re gonna win.”

TEAM PILIPINAS PLUNGES INTO TRAINING

TEAM PILIPINAS PLUNGES INTO TRAINING

Nationals enjoy 1st taste of coach Yeng’s system

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Twelve of the 14-man RP-PBA team had their first taste Monday of the dynamic simplicity of the system national coach Yeng Guiao is bringing in as Training Day commenced for the squad tasked with qualifying to the 2010 World Championship in Istanbul.

And judging from the way Asi Taulava waded into the philosophy – based largely on making the right decision at the right time – and the manner by which Jayjay Helterbrand, Ryan Reyes, Willie Miller and Jared Dillinger – players reared on coaching principles that are vastly different – jumped into the fray with bright eyes and ear-to-ear grins, it would seem everybody had a great time at The Arena in San Juan.

Also attending Day One of the every-Monday practice were Sonny Thoss, Kerby Raymundo, Mick Pennisi, Cyrus Baguio, Arwind Santos, Ranidel de Ocampo, and Gabe Norwood.

James Yap, Raymundo's Purefoods teammate, was nursing a slight cough and watched from the bench, while Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia Realty, who suffered an eye injury during a recent game, sent word he won't be able to make it.

With Guiao were assistant coaches Gee Abanilla and Roehl Nadurata, and RP team manager Tony Chua. PBA commissioner Renauld 'Sonny' Barrios, who welcomed the players at mid-court before the team went through basic 3-on-3 drills, supervised practice with league operations and technical chief Rickie Santos.

"We'll just be breaking the ice, just make us be familiar with each other," said Guiao, who addressed a concern not only of the players but their mother teams as well.

"Everything's gonna be light. We're not gonna burn you out. We're not gonna overextend you, guys. We just wanna be able to practice the skills that you'll need in order to execute our offense."

While acknowledging the individual talent and skills of each player, Guiao explained that "specific adjustments" will be needed to suit "specific plays."

"For example, the big men will have to learn to shoot the ball from the elbow," he said. "We'll also run a lot of pick-and-rolls and drive-and-kicks so the guards will have to hit it in a catch-and-shoot situation."

There were no scowls, no snarls, no daggers looks – at least not yet – from the multi-titled coach known for his motivational expertise as much as for his penchant for chewing referees and opposing players who get in the way.

Instead, there was much cajoling, and coaxing, and charming – the way they do in college ball.

Guiao urged the six-foot-nine Taulava to take it strong to the hoop from the free throw line, cross-over dribbling in the process.

He whooped when Helterbrand essayed a shake-and-bake and then pulled up for a 16-footer.

And he howled when Thoss, momentarily shaken loose from the rigidity of the Triangle Offense, went one-on-one with his man, displaying some moves that made Miller, his Alaska teammate, swoon.

Overall, the one hour session came off as a cross between free-flowing playground basketball and an organized, quick-thinking game, with Guiao exhorting his team to make a decision – whether to attack, pull back or pass off – and then act on it.

If a sense of uncertainty, even discomfort, prevailed before the Nationals' first session, there were only laughter and good-natured ribbing afterward.

Even Guiao couldn't resist needling Mick Pennisi, a former player with Red Bull now with San Miguel.

Stressing the importance of becoming comfortable with his system, and expressing his faith in them, Guiao told the hushed players: "With your talent, guys, and with your intelligence…not you, Mick..."

The deadpan turned Pennisi's face red and brought a subdued snicker from a delighted Taulava.

Guiao then moved to the crux of his philosophy.

"Remember, in this team, there's not one, two, or three guys that are gonna be responsible in winning games. We will not let one guy take over the game and ask him to carry this team on his shoulders and win the game for us," he said.

"Everybody's responsible. Nobody has to score 30 points for this team to win. All you guys need to do is to take the open shots, look for your open teammates, ran the patterns, and make good decisions. That's it. That's how we're gonna win."

A team captain, Guiao said, will be chosen after two or three practices.

"Among yourselves," he told his players, "somebody has to exercise some leadership. You have to recognize somebody as your team leader. If you wanna be team captain, go for it, campaign, don't be shy about it."

Philippine Basketball National Team Review

Philippine Basketball National Team Review
By: Iris®™©


Last November 14, 2008 coach Yeng Guiao formally announce his 14 man national team panel, which compose of all pro Pba-backed team. And is being advised and monitor of all former head coach of the national team way back from 1990 asian games coach Robert Jaworski, Norman Black, Tim Cone, Jong Uichico and Chot Reyes. Now let me review the strengths and weaknesses of the players that he picked, and as well others players he didn’t picked. For all the readers this is just my own opinion.

At the center position

Asi Taulava
Strengths: Postup game, rebounding, adds up height, hustle, experience, leadership, defense, post defender, inside presence and intimidation.

Weakness: maybe he’s age and fatigue level, free throw shooting.

All in all a good choice.
Score: I’ll give it a 09/10


Mick Penisi
Strengths: Outside shooting, rebounding, experience, height.

Weakness: Kind of a soft defender, speed.

All in all a good backup center for Asi.
Score: 7/10


On power forwards.


Sonny Thoss
Strengths: questionable

Weakness: inexperience in international tournament. He played with the national team, when coach chot was just starting the group and he was so soft and nervous. The Las Vegas tournament where he was so nervous he doesn’t know what he is doing on the court, that’s why he got cut off the team.
You can’t even play him in center position he is to small.

All in all, not a good choice a all, there are a lot of big many who can replace thoss. For example we got Enrico Villanueva, could be Jay Washington or even Jay-r Reyes, which are more versatile than thoss. In the end he’s young and he can gain experience out of this stint. He can be a good pba player but for a national I don’t know he stills hs to prove him self to me.
Score: negative 010



Kerby Raymundo

Strengths: Low post threat, good rebounder, defender, the kid has a Filipino pride unlike the others, international experience, good midrange jump shot. We all see he step up his game in the closing stages in our 1st game against Iran in fiba asia last year. He scored 8 straight points when no one was willing to score and that’s the heart and the leadership this player brings.

Weakness: too small to be power forward, but what can we do? He is the tallest in his position that is available for us. And he is proving his worth.

All in all a good choice.
Score: 8/10


Ranidel De Ocampo

Strengths: He can hit three pointers (who can’t?)

Weakness: he can’t defend he is to soft, too slow, nervous in international competition.
Inconsistent.

All in all another wasted slot. But I would rather have him than thoss.
Score: 1/10


Small Forward position.


Kelly Williams

Strengths: Good rebounder, scorer, athletic, young, hustle experience, great leaping ability and a lot more.


Weakness: there is but I cant think of any.

All in all excellent choice. Who would not pick him? Chot didn’t pick him before but in the end im glad he did. He was the lone bright spot in the fiba asia together with jimmy. He was the only one hustling for the ball. Tremendous hustle that you can’t see in the stat sheet.
Score: 10/10


Arwind Santos


Strengths: mirror image of Kelly Williams, good shot blocker better than kelly. If your resting Kelly then arwind comes in, it like you didn’t take Kelly of the court. And he also got a long range shot. The good thing about them is they are still young and will be a better, experienced, mature player when the next tournament comes.

Weakness: look at Kelly’s weakness.

All in all, excellent pick. Great way to compliment Kelly, I wonder what would happen when they are both in the court at the same time? Hustle players. And include Gabe with them. I love(and can’t wait) to see that.
Score: 10/10


Gabe Norwood

Strengths: like Kelly and Arwind, and can play multiple position


Weakness: Look at Arwind’s

All in all, what a selection of small forwards. Good thing about Gabe is he can play the 1-4 position. So I just placed him in the sf but can play sg.
Score: 10/10


Shooting guards.


James Yap

Strengths: can shot outside, mvp and nothing much to say.

Weakness: he tends to ball hog. Sometimes in consistent(in shooting outside).

All in all, not a bad choice.
Score: 7/10


Cyrus Baguio

Strengths: other than he is being coach by yeng. Good open court player.

Weakness: inconsistent with his long range. Not a good defender.
All in all, there are a lot of good and better player in this position. Hontiveros can shot the ball from long range, and a better defender than cyrus. Caguioa would be also better, unfortunately he is injured.
Score: 2/10



Jared Dillinger


Strengths: hustle, good defender, good midrange jumper. Young, plenty of time to develop.


Weakness: in experience.

All in all, good. To tell you the truth, I’m not yet very familiar with jared, I had only seen him play once. It was his first game but made a good impression.
Score: 6/10.



Willie Miller

Strengths: Mr. 2 time mvp(both where nationals are gone, no really good players to contest with). Good outside shooter, leadership, passing, defense, quick, good playmaking skills.

Weakness: in experience, too small for the position.

All in all, I don’t understand why coach Yeng said he didn’t get jimmy(alapag) for his size then contradict his self by getting willie miller. He said jimmy is to small and would create match up problem. Then why willie? They are practically the same. I’ll discuss that later (un selected but deserving players).
Score: 4/10



Jay-Jay Helterbrand


Strengths: slaher, playmaking skills, leadership, good open court player.


Weakness: can ball hog sometimes, and sometimes make bad decisions.

All in all. a Good choice
Score: 7/10


Rayan Reyes

Strengths: good defender, no fear, young and can be develop for future tournaments.

Weakness: being consistent, bad playmaking, in experience.

All in all, he can be trained but give the spot to jimmy.
Score: 1/10


Players were not chosen, but should be considered.


Jimmy Alapag. We all know what this kid can do. He all ready has an international experience. He was the only player scoring when no one wants to step up. He even penetrates the defense of 7 footers, he has a heart of the fighter. Why remove him of the team? Chot even said he was the heart of the team. So why? Why chose a experimental reyes the experienced alapag? Yeng said too small? Then he shouldn’t have picked miller.

Jay-r Reyes, as I’ve said he is young and can learn a lot. Would be a great experience for him and he can be use in the national team longer because he started younger. I’d rather have him rather than have thoss in the lineup.

Dondon Hontiveros. I know you might say I crazy, but he is better defender than cyrus baguio. The only problem is he screwed up in crucial plays of fiba asia. But wouldn’y he learn from that experience?

Gary David. Teriffic scorer, the problem is can he defend? I would rather picked him than miller. He is way taller than miller.

Lordy Tugade. If only he can work on his consistency.


Now that’s my OWN opinion for the chosen 14 man roster. But, you can argue with me all day, but this is just my opinion. In the end it’s up to the coach how he wanted his team, that’s the soldiers he wanted to go to war with. We have to respect him and his decision and just give them all the support we can. And what matter is we know how good Yeng Guiao is in terms of coaching. He can have the weirdest players and still win. Just look on how he handles the red bull, no superstars but yet they are making it to playoffs. And that’s all we need, a coach who can make his players, a team players.

And one more thing PBA should start considering lowering the age of the pro players. Why? Simply look at it this way, the younger our players develop, the better for us in international games. Look at the NBA, at the age of 18 they are pros all ready. Look at the players who started young and now superstars of their own team. Look at James, Howard, Wade, Anthony, Bosh even Bryant started at 18, and still we can make a whole long list of players who are young and talented. The point is the younger they are developing the better. And I think that’s one thing they should consider. We have young players to work out. Greg Slaugther of cebu, Japet Aguilar and many more. If they can have their experience now, then we can use them longer rather than wait for their game to mature, let’s make them learn it at their very young age.

Lets support our team. Lets pray for them. More power Team Pilipinas.