Philippines, 14 May 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Can cramming make it for small Gilas Pillipinas?


PhilBoxing.com




IRAN, as expected, remained the top team (to beat) based on the latest Power Ranking released by Fiba Asia in time for the region?s Olympic qualifying tournament set to start on Wednesday in Changsa, China. Iran is the reigning Asian basketball champion.

China, in a determined drive to regain Asian supremacy, is rated No. 2, followed by the Philippines.

The Philippines, represented by the Gilas Pilipinas squad, has been ranked third, based on its showing in the Jones Cup and the MVP Cup.

Gilas Pilipinas finished second to Iran in the Jones Cup in Taipei, and later topped the MVP Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

**

It was noted in the Fiba Asia ranking that the Philippines showed improvement in its last two tournaments.

Host China got its lofty ranking for its homecourt advantage, ?plus thebiggest line-up in the field featuring four players standing at least six-feet-10.?

Jordan, coached by former Gilas mentor Rajko Toroman, is fourth in the Fiba Asia ranking.

**

Regarding the supposed improved showing by the Philippines, it should be noted that national coach Tad Baldwin had tacitly admitted at the end of the MVP Cup that they were not yet ready for the Olympic qualifying test.

There was no specific factor mentioned and Baldwin instead tooK the national team to Cebu in a secluded build-up camp.

While the poor form of the overweight naturalized team pillar Andray Blatche has been a main concern, the light first-round schedule of Gilas in China means time could partly be on the Philippine side. Gilas Pilipinas is bracketed with lightweights Hong Kong, Kuwait and Palestine, and Blatche could yet make some recovery before the hard grind in the succeeding round.

**

Baldwin also appeared pleased with the commitment and weight improvement Blatche has so far displayed.

Based on reports, Gilas players have been going through a merciless grind as they cram in order to come up with a tough and respectable pressure defense.

Of course, the main target is still tall and mighty Iran, against which Baldwin has been working on fence-off, switch, box-out, shift, trap and everything possible.

**

Baldwin was also quoted as stressing the need for solid unity and perfect tempo in order to gain control of the floor.

Of course, it?s no secret that Gilas doesn?t have the desired manpower, the proper hardware needed to jump the gun on Iran.
But the credentialed coach appears convinced they can still make it, provided a special system he has prepared works.

As reported from Cebu before the Gilas team left for Manila, Baldwin had to go hard on crowd darling Terence Romeo for playing it soft in an exacting defensive drill.

The unorthdox Romeo, a pesky free-flower, continued to dribble and dance to a different drummer.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • BROADCAST TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR “CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH: A NIGHT OF BOXING” ON THURSDAY, MAY 22
    , Wed, 14 May 2025
  • UNBEATEN AMATEUR WORLD CHAMPION TIAH-MAI AYTON SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
    , Wed, 14 May 2025
  • Arum Targets Manila Rematch: Navarrete vs. Suarez 2 Eyed for Thrilla in Manila Anniversary
    By Dong Secuya, , Wed, 14 May 2025
  • Ron Johnson’s American Dream Presents & Nothing But Sportz Announce “The Caribbean Clash” Boxing Event at Miami’s James L. Knight Center on Saturday, August 9
    , Wed, 14 May 2025
  • Francis Chua is Fighting for Family in Comeback fight as he eyes Future fight with Harry Garside
    , Tue, 13 May 2025
  • Pacquiao Falls Short in Senate Bid, Eyes WBC Title in Stunning Boxing Comeback
    By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 13 May 2025
  • Navarrete Vs. Suarez – To Right the Wrong
    By Ed de la Vega, DDS, , Tue, 13 May 2025
  • Injustice in San Diego
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 13 May 2025
  • Charly Suarez Appeals Controversial Loss to Navarrete, California Commission to Rule June 2
    By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 13 May 2025
  • ALOYSIUS YAPP CROWNED 2025 UK OPEN CHAMPION IN RUTHLESS FINAL PERFORMANCE
    , Mon, 12 May 2025
  • Suarez loss may be overturned
    By Joaquin Henson, , Mon, 12 May 2025
  • Adones Cabalquinto Confirmed to Fight Qamil Balla on Peter Maniatis Events card in Melbourne on June 13
    , Mon, 12 May 2025
  • SOUTO AND YAPP SET FOR TITLE SHOWDOWN | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
    , Mon, 12 May 2025
  • Referee and Ringside Doctor Save Emanuel Navarrete
    By Ed de la Vega, DDS, , Sun, 11 May 2025
  • Technically Speaking: Navarrete Edges Suarez to Retain Crown
    , Sun, 11 May 2025
  • Navarrete Retains WBO Title via Controversial Technical Decision Over Suarez
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 11 May 2025
  • PHOTOS: Charly Suarez Ready to Face Emanuel Navarrete; Fight Analysis
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 11 May 2025
  • Sampson Boxing returns to Panama with a mega world boxing night
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 11 May 2025
  • SarBay Fest 2025 kicks off May 23
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 11 May 2025
  • Suarez vows all-out war
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sun, 11 May 2025
  • Suarez Looks to Exploit Navarrete's Weight Problem
    By Ed de la Vega, DDS, , Sat, 10 May 2025
  • Weekend Preview & Picks for ESPN, DAZN, & ProBox Bouts
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 10 May 2025
  • Weights from Fort Washington, MD
    , Sat, 10 May 2025
  • Navarrete, Suarez Make Weight for WBO Title Clash; Muratalla and Abdullaev Ready for Interim IBF Battle
    , Sat, 10 May 2025
  • HIGHLY-TOUTED BANTAMWEIGHT ADAM MACA SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM BOXING
    , Sat, 10 May 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.