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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Time to shine for Gilas locals

Time to shine for Gilas locals

Published Aug 28, 2026 12:05 am  |  Updated Aug 27, 2026 05:24 pm
EDITORS DESK
Today, Aug. 28, 2026, Gilas Pilipinas makes a crucial home stand against the visiting Jordan team at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Two days later, it’s Gilas versus Iran.
On the surface, it is all about earning a spot in the 2027 FIBA World Cup set in Qatar. There is also the bigger goal, with the centerpiece event awarding top finishers from each continent a precious ticket to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
While it is paramount that the Nationals be able to secure more victories to better their 2-4 win-loss record and get a fighting chance in their group come two more windows in November and February of next year, there lies a problem that is wrapped like a gift for the future of our national team.
No Justin Brownlee, no Bennie Boatwright, no Ange Kouame, no Jordan Clarkson.
While it holds true value that these naturalized players offer the firepower, ceiling, the tenacity, and steely nerves for our team on any given situation, this showcase against the Middle East giants could give this basketball-crazed country a glimpse of future in its most bare, natural, all-Filipino form.
Time is now for the local cast to step up and show the crowd the resolve they have in critical situation.
The Nationals are playing the August window without their most dependable and consistent player in Justin Brownlee.
Brownlee, who was supposed to make his comeback after sustaining a myriad of injuries from his hamstring to his knees, won't be able to suit up for Gilas this weekend as he recovers in the US.
The 38-year-old forward was also absent when the national team played New Zealand and Australia last July.
Former San Miguel import Bennie Boatwright was a candidate to become a naturalized Filipino, but his papers won't make it in time with his documents now stuck in the Senate that is busy handling the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Ange Kouame could have been someone to be tapped in, but the 6-foot-10 center is still under his basketball contract in France.
Jordan Clarkson was floated, but there is so much needed to get his services as he is a certified NBA star.
These challenges pose a big threat to our national team's ambition of advancing to the World Cup, and these are the same hurdles the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas should face when another all-Filipino crew plunges into action in the Asian Games where the country is the defending men's champion.
Without them, it sounds scary. But without them opens up the opportunity for the locals to further shine.
Minutes will be diverted to young guns Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao and Dwight Ramos. Crucial shots could be handed to CJ Perez or Scottie Thompson. Defense is as agile and tall with Kai Sotto and June Mar Fajardo manning the paint.
When one is absent, everyone steps forward.
And this could be the stage of proving each one's worth when everything is on the line.
Above all, the crowd will be satisfied: this is all-Filipino.
(Ramon Rafael Bonilla is the editor of Manila Bulletin's Sports section.)
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