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4 points of discussion of the Jones Cup of Ateneo
MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles finished fourth of the 40th William Jones Cup after losing to Iran, 70 -63, at Xinzhuang Gym Taipei last Sunday. [19659003]
The Blue Eagles, the first collegiate team to represent the country in the competition, behaved with strength, beating the national teams of the other teams and staying close to the end against the three podiums.
Ateneo finished 5-3, losing only to Canada's multiple 3D Global Sports Champion, Iran and Korea. Filipinos defeated Chinese Taipei, Japan, Indonesia, LSU Atletas of Lithuania and Chinese Taipei-Blue.
We congratulate them for representing the country with distinction, class and aplomb.
That said, here are four points – a pure coincidence in terms of numbers on the arrival of the Philippines – that we can draw from Ateneo 's participation in the tournament.
You can compete, but is it enough for a young university team to win?
Of course, we can compete. However, in my opinion, a young collegiate team will need some professional backup if the goal is to win. Let's clarify this – to win. Earning experience is something else. If that's the goal, then that's fine.
You see, a high-level team will eliminate weak teams. But the other teams are older and stacked with aspiring national team, senior national players or professional players. Not to mention imports. It's harder.
Moving sideways, remember that after the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the United States stopped sending college students after finishing with a bronze medal. Since then, they are all-pro in all major tournaments. The Jones Cup is not in the calendar of the best FIBA tournaments, but for us, it is.
In 2011, the Smart Gilas team, composed mainly of middle school students, had to be assisted by Marcus Douthit, Asi Taulava and Dondon Hontiveros. They finished third in the Jones Cup. The difference between Douthit and Ateneo center Angelo Kouame is not just in age, but the experience. Professional and international experience. Same with what Taulava and Hontiveros brought into the mix.
Let 's not even talk about this team of young Northern Consolidated Cement players because, for one of them, a few have been out of college for a while and that # They had three naturalized players who did most of the work.
With time to prepare, we can do wonders
Okay, not all teams have time to prepare. This includes the other participating teams. And that's true not only in basketball but also in football. The beauty of what happened for the Philippines in this Jones Cup was how this team was together under head coach Tab Baldwin for a little over two years. They have gained experience by coaching and playing abroad as well as winning four championships (the recent edition of the UAAP and three tournaments). summer). So, there was continuity for Ateneo towards the Jones Cup.
We heard the senior national coach Chot Reyes lament the lack of preparation of the national teams and we totally agree with him. However, we must live with this reality.
At this point, I think it's a time when all players know each other and play under a certain system that will help bridge that gap in terms of preparation.
The Blue Eagles have gained massive experience playing here
Some neighborhoods have questioned the participation of Ateneo. Well, the national team was not ready considering the recent incident with Australia. All Gilas cadets are scattered throughout the D-League, the MPBL, the NCAA and well, in preparation for the UAAP.
Was the organization of a star team better?
Uh, no.
That being said, this puts pressure on Ateneo to defend its UAAP crown. But they are not strangers to that. Wearing the blue and white jersey already comes with a lot of pressure and expectations. Moreover, they know what they are engaging in.
The podiums say something about the basketball challenges of the Philippines
Canada repeats as tournament champion. Iran comes in second place and Korea in third place.
Although it's a Canadian program, not even a pro club or even their best players, they essentially represent North American and European dominance of the sport. Iran represents the western powers of Asia that have dominated continental hoops since their rise a little over ten years ago. Korea represents traditional regional powers that include China and once upon a time, Japan. Although we have to say that the latter country is improving once again.
Just like the local hoops where it is so competitive, increased awareness and growth of basketball in the Asian region have made it more competitive and an even bigger challenge for the Philippines.
We should really be looking at what our rivals are doing to be aware of what we have to face. Maybe this is something that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas can watch.
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