Ramon Cruz, a revered name in the world of Philippine basketball, believes that passing and outside shooting are the keys to future Gilas Pilipinas success.
Cruz, the top scorer of the 1978 FIBA World Championship Philippine team, made the remarks in a recent interview with GMA Integrated News. He stressed that these aspects could significantly enhance the team’s competitiveness, especially in today’s dynamic basketball landscape.
“In today’s game, you need to be able to move the ball and create open shots,” Cruz said. “Passing is essential for that, and outside shooting is also very important. If you can’t shoot the three-pointer, you’re going to be at a big disadvantage.”
Cruz also cautioned against the Gilas team’s tendency to heavily rely on the exceptional skills of Jordan Clarkson.
“You can’t just rely on one player,” Cruz said. “You need to have a balanced team with players who can contribute in different ways. If you can develop your passing and outside shooting, you’ll be a much more dangerous team.”
Cruz expressed confidence in the present Gilas roster and praised the team’s growth. He noted the substantial improvement in size and talent compared to his era.
“The potential is there,” Cruz said. “But they need to work hard and develop the right skills. If they can do that, I think they can be successful.”
Cruz’s insights offer a valuable roadmap for the future of Gilas Pilipinas. If the team can heed his advice and focus on improving their passing and outside shooting, they will be well-positioned to achieve international success.
