Regaining the gold medal is going to be a battle for Gilas Pilipinas.
Some returned, others didn’t. Either way, they’re a force to be reckoned with.
The Indonesian Men’s National Basketball Team will defend its SEA Games gold medal with a lineup unidentical to the one that captured the crown in Vietnam last year. On Wednesday, Indonesia’s retooled roster was unveiled, and it featured a couple of familiar faces, along with a bunch of new players.
Some of the names that the other gold-medal hopefuls, including Gilas Pilipinas, might want to mark are as follows:
Lester Prosper
The former PBA reinforcement, one of the most notable names on the roster, has always been a solid force on the interior. Whether he’s playing professionally as an import, or when he’s suiting up for the Indonesian side, the 6-foot-9 big man is as reliable as they come.
Anthony Beane Jr.
Indonesia will field another naturalized player in the 6-foot-2 dynamic guard out of Sikeston, Missouri. Known for his scoring, Beane is someone that the defense must be wary of at all times.
Brandon Jawato
Running it back with Indonesia is the 6-foot-4 guard who provided extra firepower in last years’ gold medal match against Gilas, finishing with 11 points. Can’t sleep on this American-Indonesian cager.
With the notable additions, come a few significant losses. Let’s take a look at the key players from the championship team that won’t be making the trip to Phnom Penh.
Marques Bolden
The absence of Indonesia’s naturalized 7-footer in the paint is a welcome development for the opposing teams. Given his size and considerable agility, Bolden influences plays on both ends of the floor. His replacement certainly has big shoes to fill.
Derrick Xzavierro
The 6-foot-8 energetic forward isn’t joining Indonesia’s SEA Games encore. It’s a relief for the other squads as Xzavierro is a constant threat in the rebounding department. His team will also miss his ability to finish with authority.
Abraham Grahita
Not having Grahita means the Indonesians will miss one of their best shot-makers. The dynamic combo-guard might just stand at 5-foot-11, but he definitely knows how to get buckets.
The biggest threat to the Indonesians’ title reign is undoubtedly the Philippine contingent. It’d be very interesting how Gilas will respond after seeing the reconfigured lineup of the defending champions.
(GM)