Gilas Pilipinas just wrapped up a grueling 2015 Jones Cup stint, where they played for 8 straight games and finished second to Asian champion Iran. The Philippines returned to the Jones Cup for the first time since winning the tournament in 2012. The Filipinos nearing the final stretch of its buildup for the 2015 Fiba Asia Championship in China and the Jones Cup served as a barometer as to where Gilas is at this stage of its preparations.
Filipinos are well aware of what Terrence Romeo is capable of on the basketball court, and the rest of the competition in the Jones Cup certainly wasn’t ready for him. Romeo can flat out score and he proved that he can do it on the international stage by leading the Philippine team in scoring. The 23-year-old also showed he can take over games when needed. Criticized for being selfish, Romeo let his game do the talking as he proved he can also be an effective playmaker. 
Like Romeo, Calvin Abueva also had his moments for Gilas as a first-time national team member. Abueva, an undersized power forward standing only at 6-foot-1, typified Gilas’ battlecry of ‘Puso’ with his unwavering energy, intensity and hustle. ‘The Beast’ was wild sometimes, but that’s who he is. Most of the time, he played with controlled recklessness that kept opposing teams on their heels. There wasn’t another player in Gilas or even in the entire Jones Cup tournament like Abueva, and the player that he is made him an invaluable player for the Philippine team. 
Two of the oldest players of Gilas still have it. Asi Taulava, 42, and Dondon Hontiveros, 38, proved they have a lot left in their tanks. Without naturalized big man Andray Blatche the entire tournament, Taulava held his own against younger and bigger foes while Hontiveros put constant pressure on the defense with his steady outside shooting. Apart from both veterans’ inspiring performances in the Jones Cup, their leadership on and off the court were also vital with this version of Gilas, what with having a bunch of first timers apart from Romeo and Abueva. 
It’s no secret that June Mar Fajardo, the most dominant player in the country today, is missed. Gilas did finish second to Iran in the Jones Cup, but Fajardo’s presence would’ve made a big difference. Fajardo is the best Filipino player today and having him would definitely give Gilas another weapon on the floor. Not to mention he would have served as an intimidating presence on the defensive end in the coming Fiba Asia Championship, where only one Olympic berth is up for grabs. 
The selfies posted all over social media are proof that Gilas has developed a strong bond. That off-court chemistry has also spilled over to the court, which resulted in the team’s respectable stint in the Jones Cup. The players give credit to the veterans, especially Asi Taulava, for making it easier for the team to build the kind of relationship it has now.
Whether Jimmy Alapag is on the floor playing or on the bench barking encouragements, his presence means everything. Alapag’s leadership is invaluable and his guidance and wisdom having vast international experience are of great help to Gilas’ young guns. Alapag may not be the same player he was before but his decision-making and the effect he brings on the court showed when he played for a few games in the Jones Cup. Know any other lessons Gilas can learn from their Jones Cup experience? Sound off in the comments below!
