"This is just the first of many more tougher games you will experience in life. Just remember to be the best player that you can be. More importantly, be the best person that you can be. Hold on to those two things and you will be fine."
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Basketball is my passion ever since I was a kid. It started with Crispa vs. Toyota, then Lakers vs. Celtics, San Miguel vs. Ginebra, and of course, La Salle vs. Ateneo...I was so passionate about basketball that I even sent out my resume to some of the PBA teams in the 90s to apply for any position. My cover letter even had a crazy line which states: "I am an experienced auditor and I analyze business risks...perhaps I can help by analyzing risks in the team and help resolve and address risks...." =)...of course, no team replied.
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After so many years, my passion started to dwindle...One reason maybe is I have seen several Philippine basketball teams compete internationally but we most of the time suffer heartbreaking defeats after the other....We keep on saying we were champions in the 70s....but that was it, WE HAVE TO MOVE ON!....Like most Filipino fans, I am still waiting when will we be Asian champions again, when will we beat China and when will we play in the Olympics.
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To be honest, I rarely watch the PBA games anymore...I follow the NBA only when its championship time....but recently, the Smart Gilas Pilipinas team caught my attention....I began to follow their FIBA games....deep inside, I was hoping that we can beat China and win a medal!!!...but as usual,...
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But there is a glimmer of hope....that's in the person of MVP...he said he is determined to bring the team back to the Olympics....of course, he can't do it by himself....he needs more help...
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What do we need to do??? Here are my 2 cents worth of opinion...
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More international competitions to gain experience....***
Bigger players...maybe our scientists/nutritionists should study how can we Filipinos improve our genetics and be taller....I was able to visit The Netherlands (the Dutch are the tallest people in the world)....you know what, most adults drink milk even during lunch....maybe we need to do this???
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Better coaching and training....Coach Toroman was great....but he needs more assistance from internationally experienced coaches and trainers...we also need to train all year long....not just a few months before the competition...
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Aside from physical training, players should also undergo MENTAL training....to instill in them the KILLER INSTINCT.... that they are WINNERS and that they can shoot their FREE THROWS during crucial stages...=)
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Tap the GLOBAL FILIPINO BUT DON'T FORGET THE LOCAL PINOY....hey, I don't mind having Fil-Ams, Fil-Brits, Fil-Tongan, etc....but I believe somewhere in the far-flung areas of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, there are talents waiting to be tapped and honed....
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I believe also that a Filipino is already born to PLAY IN THE NBA....somewhere out there....we just have to wait PATIENTLY...
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ONLY BEST OF THE BEST FOR THE TEAM....Only the best players should be part of the team...no "politics"...no "palakasan"...no "padrino"...not because he is from La Salle or Ateneo...not because he is "pogi" or "mestiso"...not because he is Fil-Am....tryouts should be open to the public, both for professionals and amateurs....
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Screen and select PLAYERS who are WILLING TO SACRIFICE for the team for the LONG-TERM ....those who are WHOLE-HEARTEDLY committed to play for the team...we want players who will give ALL-OUT, 110 percent!...sabi nga ni Jawo, "patay kung patay!!!"...they should not worry about getting injured or not being able to play in the PBA....
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Maybe we can adopt Freddie Roach's advice to Pacquiao on NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!!! I think we Filipinos are generally friendly and compassionate...but come competition time, we should knock them out!!!
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Lastly, we are still a Christian country...so PRAYERS still work....only in GOD's time we will again attain BASKETBALL SUPREMACY....all for the GLORY OF GOD!!!
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Hey, these are just comments from a Pilipinas basketball fan....maybe, those people on top should start listening and tapping each and every fan who are willing to help and contribute...not just the known and chosen few....imagine millions of people focusing and helping out for one common goal....Go Pilipinas!!!
Hope this helps and keep on dreaming...
Ge
Gerald Cantor is a Registered Financial Planner graduate and a Financial Consultant of Pru Life UK. He is also a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Internal Auditor. Ge is proud to be an ex-OFW, a "career-shifter", a baller, a newby entrepreneur and most importantly, a "proud" dad of Gia (4yo) and Clarie (2yo).
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