BEFORE the Senior Gilas take the world basketball stage, the Batang Gilas are already strutting their wares in Greece in the Under-19 edition of the World Basketball Championships. Bannered by teen sensations Kai Sotto and AJ Edu, this U19 team vaunts the tallest line-up we have assembled in recent years. With an average height of 6’4, this team looks ready to match their world counterparts.
Two games in and we are still without a win. The team bowed to Greece, 69-85, in their first assignment in which they also lost AJ Edu to injury and dropped a close one against Argentina, 72-77, late Sunday. By the time this column comes out, they have already played against Russia, and they would be facing either France or Serbia in the Round of 16 regardless of their group classification.
Advancing to the quarters will be a tall order for this squad, especially with the unfortunate injury of AJ Edu. Nonetheless, this team will give their best for a chance at advancing to the next round sans Edu.
How far are we in terms of developing our young talents? How far have we achieved in our various grassroots programs? We can already gauge it by looking at several international athletes already playing in the pro leagues. Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is a prime example. The Slovenian player, recently crowned NBA Rookie of the Year just turned 20 years old. Only one full year ahead from those competing in the U19 championships. He started competing professionally at 16 and in 2018 led his ball club to the EuroLeague championship while claiming the most valuable player (MVP) award. He was just 18 when he accomplished those feats.
Let us take a look at our talents, Kai Sotto has barely graduated from high school and opted to train overseas. He has shown some upgrades in his game already, but if comparing it to Luka’s skills, Kai has a long way to go.
Maybe, just maybe, it is high time to reconsider how we are handling our grassroots sports development programs. Are children even exposed to different sports activities, so they learn to love and appreciate the game? I am not suggesting elite training at an early age here but preferably exposure, participation, and performance, which leads to excellence. I say, let the children play.