Coach Toroman says Smart Gilas team showed true potential in game vs NBA stars

Coach Rajko Toroman finally brought Smart Gilas together in full force opposite some of the most revered players on the planet and saw the promise of the national team.

PBA stars Asi Taulava of Meralco, Dondon Hontiveros of Air21, Talk ‘N Text’s Jimmy Alapag and Kelly Williams reinforced the Philippine five in an unexpectedly close 98-89 defeat to a star-studded NBA cast headed by Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose.

“This is the first time we played with these PBA players and you can see the potential of a complete team,” said Toroman.

Toroman said the integration of the PBA and the Smart Gilas core that every hoop junkie saw on Sunday was an indication of good things to come.

Alapag and Williams practiced with the team only twice prior to the Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend but the blend of PBA standouts and team mainstays transformed a perceived blowout into a tight encounter down the wire.

“We just need time and games together to be really competitive in Asia,” said Toroman.

He added the presence of the PBA stars has lent experience to the team and energized his mainstays composed of skipper Chris Tiu, JV Casio, Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Marcio Lassiter, Japeth Aguilar, Chris Lutz, Dylan Ababou, Jason Ballesteros and naturalized center Marcus Douthit.

The national team is preparing for the Fiba Asia Championship in Wuhan, China, on Sept. 15 to 25 where the champion qualifies for the 2012 London Olympics.

The inspiring plays of the Filipinos drew praises from Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets, who teamed up in the gold-winning US “Redeem Team” in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. /inquirer