Gilas unleashes new style of play — Dickel
Credit to Author: Josef T. Ramos, TMT| Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2020 16:15:58 +0000
Gilas Pilipinas coach Mark Dickel wants to establish the Filipino style of play internationally. And that’s “unselfish offense and pressure defense.”
Two days after routing Indonesia (100-70) last Sunday in the first window of International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup qualifiers at the Britama Arena in Jakarta, Dickel said it is time for the Filipinos to form a style of play that suits in their skills set.
“We are trying to establish a style of play with Gilas Pilipinas and that takes time. The style of play is one that naturally suits the Filipino players skills set. Pressure defense and unselfish offense with an emphasis on outside shooting,” Dickel told The Manila Times on Monday in a text message.
Dickel was so happy to see the younger players team up perfectly with Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players throughout the game. That Indonesia loss was its back-to-back in Group A after a lopsided 76-109 defeat to South Korea last Thursday.
“I thought our defense for most part was good. Our offense is a work in progress,” he added. “The PBA players were great in giving their time and their leadership. The younger players stepped up to a good level allowing us to play to everyone with quality minutes.”
Gilas dominated the host team in rebounding (55-33) and got more steals (15-6). In the offensive side, the Filipinos shot more efficient than the Indonesians (37-of-86 43%) overall from the field. They also shared the ball well, registering 23 assists against Indonesia’s 12.
Thirdy Ravena, the younger brother of Kiefer, dominated the game against Indonesia with 23 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
“Thirdy is improving all the time due to his working ethics,” said Dickel of Ravena. “Yes it will be another good year for us.”
The former Ateneo De Manila University standout agrees with Dickel in establishing that style of play that will fit in the skills set of the Filipinos.
“For me, that’s okay. That system is tailor made for the players so it will be easier for us to adjust,” said Ravena, who already played in FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers against Qatar and Kazakhstan under ex-national coach Yeng Guiao also in February last year, in separate interview.