Tunisia World Cup

I remember watching Ed Cordero play during his prime, and let me tell you, the man was an absolute force on the court. His career stats might not jump off the page compared to today's high-scoring games, but his impact on Philippine basketball remains profound. Cordero played 11 seasons in the PBA from 1985 to 1996, primarily with the legendary Purefoods franchise where he became part of their first championship team in 1990. His career averages of 8.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game don't fully capture his value - he was the kind of player who did all the little things that championship teams need.

What made Cordero special was his basketball IQ and versatility. Standing at 6'3", he could play both forward positions effectively, often guarding taller opponents while creating mismatches on offense. I've always admired players who understand spacing and timing, and Cordero had that innate sense of where to be on both ends of the floor. His best statistical season came in 1990 when he averaged 12.3 points and 8.1 rebounds, but numbers alone can't measure his leadership in the locker room or his clutch performances during critical moments. He was the type of player who made everyone around him better, something that statistics still struggle to quantify properly.

Looking at today's game, I can't help but see Cordero's influence in how modern Filipino forwards approach the game. His fundamental soundness and team-first mentality set a standard that many current players would do well to emulate. The way he moved without the ball and made smart passes from the high post - these are skills that remain valuable regardless of era. I've noticed that teams with players embodying Cordero's style often outperform expectations because they play the right way.

This brings me to our current national team situation. But of course, Gilas Pilipinas must win against Iraq first in order for that possibility to happen. Watching our modern national team, I often think about what Cordero would bring to the table - that combination of toughness and intelligence that international basketball demands. The current squad has plenty of talent, but they could use someone with Cordero's understanding of team defense and his ability to make the extra pass. International competitions require players who can adapt to different styles, and Cordero's game would have translated beautifully to the FIBA stage.

Reflecting on Cordero's legacy, it's clear that his impact extends beyond statistics. He represented an era when players developed complete games rather than specializing in just scoring or rebounding. His career teaches us that basketball greatness comes in many forms, and sometimes the most valuable players aren't the ones putting up the flashiest numbers. As we continue to develop Philippine basketball, we should remember players like Cordero who showed that fundamentals, basketball IQ, and team play never go out of style. His contribution helped build the foundation for today's PBA, and his influence can still be seen in how the game is played and appreciated in our country.