Former Gilas Pilipinas head coach Rajko Toroman rallied behind Marcio Lassiter, saying that his inclusion will be a big boost to the squad that will see action in the FIBA Basketball World Cup that the country will host from 25 August to 10 September.
In an online interview, the 68-year-old Serbian tactician said Lassiter’s brand of game will be perfect for Gilas against the best players in the world.
At 36 years old, Lassiter still has what it takes to make an impact in the international arena.
During the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, in fact, Lassiter delivered timely three-pointers while playing lockdown defense against the naturalized players of Cambodia in the gold medal match.
Toroman, the first mentor who spotted Lassiter from California State Fullerton that paved the way for his inclusion in the original Gilas program, said the national squad will greatly benefit if Lassiter will be part of the roster.
“Marcio is a great player who can help Gilas,” said Toroman, the genius behind Indonesia’s victory over the Filipinos in the gold medal match of the Hanoi SEA Games last year.
“He is one player capable of playing on both sides of the court. He’s a very good defender, tactically one of the greatest shooters. I said before that Marcio looks like a Euro League player. He’s got good size and very good understanding of the game with his high basketball IQ.”
But getting included in the Gilas team being groomed to represent the country in the World Cup seems like a longshot.
‘It’s all puso, the shots I made, the defense I was playing. It’s a beautiful thing to see.’
Lassiter, for one, plays the same position with younger players like Japan-based Thirdy Ravena, Ray Parks and Dwight Ramos as well as Philippine Basketball Association stars like Calvin Oftana and Scottie Thompson.
But the biggest thorn in his path to the national squad is National Basketball Association player Jordan Clarkson, the Utah Jazz star who is coming in as Gilas naturalized player.
Still, Lassiter stressed that he will give his best if given the chance.
“When you see the flag, hear the song (national anthem), it levels me up. It gives me goosebumps,” Lassiter said, adding that making it to the SEA Games is truly a great honor.
“To be honest, I never thought I would be back in the national team because of age. I’m older now, but I’m glad that I was given another opportunity at this stage of my career. Anytime I represent the country, I play and perform at a high level. I felt honored.”
“It’s all puso, the shots I made, the defense I was playing. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”
Lassiter added that he will do his best to crack the roster once head coach Chot Reyes opens the Gilas training camp next week.
“I feel young. I hope we can still keep doing this, but let’s see what happens,” Lassiter said.
