Even with the current pandemic and the recent typhoons, Filipinos still find delight in watching for entertainment to put up with boredom. Sports enthusiasts wait for updates in the development and news given the different sports activities.

With the commencement of the second window of FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers, all eyes were on the roster of players included in the line-up.

A pool of young Gilas rookies—collegiate standouts and fresh graduates take part in the final list for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers that was announced in Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) social media account last November 27.

Together with the buzzing hype for the return of the Basketball cup, there are still questions why their front-runner was not able to make it to the cut.

One of the most intriguing in the line-up is why the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) MVP, Calvin Oftana is ruled out from the Final 12.

The young MVP has been waiting to get back in action, more in a next-level international court. However, unfortunately, he was not able to secure his spot.

A lot of his supporters were furious about the arrangement. With the roster filled with youngsters, it is recognized that some of the players who completed the team already played under the supervision of Coach Tab Baldwin—who is now the current coach of Gilas Pilipinas—in the UAAP.  

Even though short preparation is made, they should have picked thoroughly the player that represents the country without pulling some strings of an acquaintance just because the other player is having an advantage of knowing the coaching system more.

Nieto Brothers have proved themselves in court multiple times. But these two are not a package deal. One has to stay while the other has to go. Talent-wise, there is no doubt that Oftana deserves the spot more than the other brother.

Some sources have said that familiarity with the coaching system played a big part in choosing the players. Is it a coach prerogative or another string of politics?

The international basketball league serves as the best experience for these athletes. It is beneficial for these players for an opportunity to improve their stints and increase their value on a broader scale.

This year, Kai Sotto entered the NBA G-League joining the Ignite Team. Honestly, SBP should also have made Sotto the top pick in the roster. Even with his current association with NBA, it is possible to include him like his G-League teammate Princepal Singh who was announced as part of India’s Roster.

Yet, constraints arise due to the hindrances in securing Sotto’s clearance to join the Philippine Team. But SBP is confident in securing him in the pool of national teams in the 2023 FIBA Basketball Cup.

Although your best pick is not included with the final line-up, let us trust the process. After all, we have these professionals who knew better how to balance and tame the team players towards bagging more medals in the future.

On the positive side, the final line-up for future games could still be changed. Who knows your pick might be the one maneuvering the ball in the court.