The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is hardly bothered by the absence of Carl Tamayo in the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
In a phone conversation with Daily Tribune, SBP executive director Sonny Barrios said they remain optimistic over the chances of Gilas Pilipinas against Lebanon on Friday and Jordan on Saturday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Tamayo, the former University of the Philippines star, begged off from seeing action in the final window after signing a new deal with the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the Japan B. League.
His absence will be a major blow to the federation as other big men like Japeth Aguilar, Kai Sotto, Poy Erram and Raymond Almazan will be sidelined as well.
Barrios said they will make up their lack of ceiling by assembling a quick, agile and fighting squad.
“We have to make up for our lack of height, so to speak, using our other assets: Quickness, agility, fighting heart,” Barrios, also the federation’s spokesperson, said.
“We also still have our old reliable like Justin Brownlee and June Mar Fajardo.”
Barrios said the last leg of the qualifiers, as well as other upcoming events like the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, will serve as their gauge for the final composition of the national squad that will vie in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in August.
“Our Gilas team is still a work in progress. There will be a lot of opportunities for the coaching staff to assess what will be our best combination,” Barrios said.
“The draw on 29 April will be a big deal as it will determine who will be join our group. As a coach, you have to tailor-fit your team on the squads that will join the group.”
