THE Philippine women’s basketball team has exactly 43 days to
find ways on how to cut Thailand to size in the 24th Southeast Asian Games
scheduled Dec. 6 to 16.
"There’s no question. Thailand is the team to beat in the SEA
Games. It’s really a strong team. But you cannot count Malaysia out, too," said
head coach Fritz Gaston yesterday.
Gaston was at the PSA Forum at Shakey’s along UN Ave. with a
handful players like Cassy Tioseco, Machico Matsuno, Diana Jose, Stephanie
Villanueva, Aurora
Adriano and Merenciana Arayi.
Just three days ago, the RP ladies team that was hardly given a chance pulled
off a big surprise by landing second behind Thailand in the SEABA tournament
in Phuket.
The RP cagebelles led by skipper Emilia Vega and Fil-American
Vicky Brick won their first four matches, including a close decision over the
Thais in the elimination.
But they fell short in the finals against the hosts, failing
to control the Thais’ size and heft advantage.
At times, Gaston said his players felt they were up against a
men’s team.
"That was our biggest disadvantage. We didn’t know how to
beat Thailand’s men’s team," he said in jest, referring to Thailand’s top player
who "plays like a man."
"But from now on we will do that, too. We will hold
scrimmages with our men’s team. We have to find ways on how to match up with
them," said Gaston.
The Thais have an average height of close to six feet while
the Filipinas stand close to 5-foot-7 with only one player, Tioseco, standing
close to six feet.
"We have to prepare on how to break their zone defense. We
have to make the adjustments. Not the Thais because that’s their game. They’ve
been together for some time," said Gaston.
The RP women’s team was formed just over two months ago, and
Gaston said the first month was even spent on tryouts.
"We have to learn how to become more explosive, quicker and stronger," added
Gaston, looking forward to the possible arrival of a couple more Fil-Ams in time
for the SEA Games.
