Pow Salud watching Gilas Practice I had the privilege of attending the Gilas Pilipinas practice session before their departure for Hong Kong to participate in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. Though my initial plan was to vlog and create videos, the sheer passion and love of our countrymen for basketball, coupled with the palpable sense of renewed hope surrounding the new Gilas Pilipinas team in 2024, inspired me to put pen to paper. For those seeking an expert and technical analysis of the team, this may not be the article for you. I haven't written anything in quite a while, as videos have seemingly become the preferred medium for conveying messages and passion to followers. Kai and AJ Edu This marked my second attendance at a Gilas Pilipinas practice session, the first being in preparation for the Asian Games where we clinched our first gold in 62 years. As a basketball nation in Asia, it was a significant achievement, signaling a new era of hope despite facing challenges and recognizing areas that still require improvement. While I may not entirely agree with the relatively short 7 to 10 days of training, I was pleasantly surprised by the evident chemistry. The team seemed to be bonding not only on the court but also on a personal level, radiating positivity during the open practice. Without wanting to generate undue hype and false expectations, I believe the upcoming games will serve as a valuable gauge of our team's chemistry and development against tougher competition. Process, consistency, and familiarity, as emphasized by Coach Tim Cone, are the keys he preaches, intending to involve the same players during his tenure as the head coach of the Philippines' highly esteemed national basketball team. Under the leadership of returning naturalized player Justin Brownlee, the new yet familiar Gilas Pilipinas showcases a blend of young and seasoned players capable of contributing on both ends of the court. The veteran and big man tandem, featuring Junmar Fajardo – one of the Philippines' finest – and AJ Edu, attended practice, though they did not participate due to injuries. Nevertheless, this is all part of the process, and their presence will be crucial in more significant competitions. Justine Brownlee Selfie with Fans Turning our attention to the big man, NBA hopeful Kai Sotto, standing tall at 7'3", appeared to have bulked up during practice, engaging physically with teammates. This bodes well for our upcoming games, as his performance will be vital. Given the scope of this editorial, I won't delve into all the players. Instead, my aim was to convey the general emotions of the fans and the hope that this marks the beginning of a glorious era for Philippine basketball under the guidance of Coach Tim Cone. Much like my videos, I understand the importance of keeping things concise, as our audience tends to have a shorter attention span nowadays. For now, I'll refrain from discussing other players in detail, but I look forward to sharing more insights in my next article. Pow Salud, not just a vlogger but a blogger too.

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