Tunisia World Cup
I must admit, I was just as surprised as many basketball fans when I first saw Black's preliminary lineup for the upcoming tournament season. The inclusion of Pre stood out to me immediately—this relatively fresh talent making waves among established stars felt like watching a rookie step onto the court during championship minutes. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've learned that these early roster announcements often reveal more about coaching strategies than final selections do.
Yesterday's PBA quarterfinal match had everyone on social media buzzing, but what really caught my attention was how these potential national team candidates might have performed under pressure. When I checked the quarter scores last night, I found myself analyzing every play through the lens of Black's surprising list. Justin Brownlee, our reliable naturalized player, delivered exactly what we've come to expect—clutch baskets when it mattered most. But it was the younger names that had me leaning forward in my seat. Dave Ildefonso's performance particularly stood out to me, reminding everyone why the Abra Weavers star deserves to be in that conversation.
The game itself was a rollercoaster—the first quarter ended 28-24, with both teams feeling each other out. By halftime, the score had jumped to 52-48, and you could sense the momentum shifting. What impressed me most was the defensive adjustment during the third quarter, where the game truly turned. As someone who's charted basketball statistics for years, I noticed the field goal percentage dropping to 38% during that critical period, while three-point attempts increased by nearly 15% compared to the first half. These are the subtle changes that separate quarterfinal games from championship material.
Watching Remy Martin weave through defenders took me back to his collegiate days, though I've always been slightly more impressed by Matthew Wright's consistency in the Japan B.League. Personal bias aside, Wright's overseas experience showed in his decision-making during transition plays. Meanwhile, Bobby Ray Parks demonstrated why he remains one of the most versatile players in Philippine basketball today. I've always believed Parks would thrive in the national team setup, and yesterday's 18-point, 7-rebound performance only strengthened that conviction.
The fourth quarter explosion—where the winning team put up 34 points while holding their opponents to just 22—was exactly the kind of basketball I love to watch. Jason Brickman, though still waiting for his PBA draft moment, would have appreciated the crisp ball movement that led to several open three-pointers during that decisive run. Having studied Brickman's playmaking for years, I can't help but feel he'd thrive in such a system, though I understand why some coaches might prefer more scoring-oriented guards.
What many casual viewers might have missed was how the game's tempo shifted dramatically after the third quarter timeout. The coaching staff made adjustments that reminded me of international competitions where every possession counts double. This is precisely why Black's preliminary list fascinates me—the inclusion of Ange Kouame alongside Brownlee suggests we might be looking at different lineup combinations for various tournaments. Personally, I'd love to see both naturalized players available for major events, though I know the rules limit such arrangements.
As the final buzzer sounded with the score at 106-94, I found myself thinking about how these PAA performances influence national team selection. The truth is, while we fans get caught up in quarter scores and highlight reels, the coaching staff watches how players respond to pressure, execute systems, and fit into specific roles. From where I sit, yesterday's game gave us several clues about who might eventually make that final roster. The surprise inclusion of Pre might not seem so surprising if we watch these quarterfinal matchups closely enough.
The beauty of Philippine basketball right now lies in this incredible depth of talent. Between the PBA, overseas leagues, and emerging collegiate stars, we're witnessing what I believe could be a golden generation in the making. Yesterday's quarter scores matter not just for the standings, but for what they reveal about players potentially representing the country. Though I've been wrong before—remember when I thought that 2019 lineup was our strongest ever?—something about this particular mix of veterans and newcomers feels special.
