Gilas Pilipinas Basketball

Even if Andray Blatche had a near triple-double of 19 points, 18 rebounds, and 9 assists in a remarkable do-it-all performance in Gilas Pilipinas’ 92-83 tune-up win over Australian Club team Adelaide 36ers, many other players stepped up for the national team.

A total of five players finished in double-digit scoring for the nationals, as they continue preparing for the 2019 FIBA World Cup which tips off in just a week’s time.

And for Gilas veteran Gabe Norwood, having more players share the offensive load is the only way to go for the squad.

“We can’t put the whole scoring load on Andray’s shoulders,” Norwood said. “Which we have been doing (well) in throughout the whole preparation.”

And Blatche did have a lot of support in their win over Adelaide. His frontcourt partner Japeth Aguilar scored 17 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting.

Roger Pogoy had eight in a 10-0 Gilas run in the fourth quarter which gave the lead to the Philippines.

CJ Perez and Paul Lee added 12 and 10 points, respectively.

“Just finding a way. I think Roger came in and hit a few shots. Paul was consistent throughout the game. Mark (Barroca) hit some few shots for us as well,” Norwood added.

It could also be remembered that guys like Robert Bolick and Perez stepped up during Gilas’ preparation tour in Spain earlier.

“Everybody is stepping up in their own way so I hope that continues. It’s just, as long as we have some pieces filling in,” Norwood said.

Blatche averaged 21.3 PPG in the 2014 edition of the FIBA World Cup. If he gets more support on both ends of the floor for this World Cup, it would be a welcome sight for the national team.

Gilas is in Group D of the World Cup together with powerhouse Serbia, Italy, and Angola.

By Levi Verora, Jr.