I personally like the current Gilas roster under Coach Tim Cone. It’s just unfortunate that we were missing one key piece—Kai Sotto. Honestly, Coach Tim has done a tremendous job holding this group together, ensuring continuity in the program. Yes, many say we need to expand, improve, and tweak a few names here and there, and that’s valid—but the truth is, this current team is good. The problem? That one missing piece meant we fell just short of expectations. Now, the calls are getting louder: Add more players to the pool Replace older veterans Remove underutilized players Bring in younger, bigger, and better shooters On paper, it sounds like a simple add-and-subtract formula. But in reality, there’s so much more to it—business, politics, and player availability all come into play. Remember, the current Gilas management has already extended invitations to other players, but some reportedly declined due to financial concerns. Playing for the flag isn’t just a regular job—it requires sacrifices: long hours, extra training beyond mother-team duties, and the emotional weight of carrying the hopes of millions of Filipino fans. Yes, it’s exciting to travel the world and represent the country—but wearing that jersey demands more than just skill. It demands heart, discipline, and a different level of commitment. These players deserve our salute—win or lose. At the same time, they must also understand that as public figures, they will be criticized, and yes, sometimes bashed, when they fail to meet expectations. It’s part of the ecosystem. It’s the cycle. And speaking of changes—on this, I actually agree with some fans: it might be time to gradually replace older veterans with younger talent. It’s nothing personal—just the practical decision that the rest of the basketball world has already embraced. And while we’re at it, let’s face it: we need more quality shooters. This is a glaring weakness that must be addressed. At the end of the day, Gilas management and the coaching staff are in their positions because they know better. They have the experience and the knowledge that most of us in the comments section simply don’t. But that doesn’t mean we can’t share our thoughts—no matter how wild they sometimes sound. After all, some of the best ideas in sports history have come from the voice of the common fan. So let me throw the question back to you: Who would you add or remove from the current Gilas roster?

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