Smart Gilas 2.0 Jersey and Nike 2012 Team Pilipinas Jersey preview

Smart Gilas 2.0 Jersey

As we all know, Smart Gilas 2.0 had been sporting a different look come Seaba 2012. The new design had featured a lighter square pattern fabric. It had eliminated themselves of sponsors/ outfitters and used the MVP sports foundation logo instead, with the colors and design reminding us of the Smart all stars jersey used by NBA all stars in an exhibition game last year. We don't know if this is just a transitional phase of the Jersey while there is an ongoing negotiation with Nike and the national team. So far the new image has been successful for the national team, bagging 2 gold medals from Seaba and the Jones cup. This is not yet in the market and it being commercially available is still uncertain.

Nike Team Pilipinas Jersey

One thing we know is that the youth team (U-18) still sports the swoosh brand as its outfitter. Around the time of the London Olympics had started, a picture of the new design of the Team Pilipinas' jersey had leaked the web along with national team kits for other asian countries such as Korea.

The design is coherent with Nike's system of dress and is similar with other Nike sponsored national team designs such as Brazil, Korea, Lithuania etc... The back is similar to the past year's design while the front reminds us of other countries' kits. It has that internal back detail saying "Laban Pilipinas" (a feature usually seen in football kits like Man U). It does have a cleaner and more streamlined look.

While this new design has yet to be unveiled in international play, part of the team's kits that have the same design placements (shirts & jacket) had been used by the U-18 team in Mongolia.

This new Nike jersey is set to be released locally and can now be purchased online through http://jerseyhaven.multiply.com/products/listing/10377

Update 9 /12/2012:

The Nike 2012 Pilipinas Jersey has been given the Smart Gilas 2.0 Treatment for the Fiba Asia cup. Photo courtesy of United Philippine Basketball and Coach Chot:

 

Laban Pilipinas

Congrats to Gilas for placing 3rd in the Jones cup and Sinag for winning the Seaba youth title.

2010 Team Pilipinas Nike Jersey Review

How times have changed.

When I reviewed the 2009 Team Pilipinas Jersey,  there was still a lack of National inspired merchandise in the country. Nowadays, you can see them in every sidewalk store or makeshift bazaar. Almost all local and international brands have stepped on or are stepping in with this trend.




Today, we review the 2010-11 version of the team Pilipinas Jersey. Due to our national team, Smart Gilas now having a concrete and long term program, we now see this Jersey more exposed in Television.

Suntok Ginto

Don't you get pissed when every time the Olympics are being shown, we always end up with a big fat zero? Pseudo "Internet Coaches" would rather turn and discriminate our own athletes as laughing stocks while drooling over the Nadals, the Phelps and the Bryants?. Or how about when going to a mall and seeing people in jerseys of other countries rather than ours.

How about being a weekend warrior and seeing all those folks in the gym wearing the latest equipment, going to a Saturday basketball game with your teammates repping the freshest limited edition PE kicks they camped five days and four nights for. Or in a bright Sunday morning when you are about to have another half marathon equipped with your minimalist shoes and compression tights while you grace away onto your new PR. It sure is more inspiring to perform when you got the gear, support and encouragement right?

Wouldn't it be as fun if our national athletes got even a quarter of that support?

Suntok ginto is a fund raising campaign to help our national boxers get that Elusive Olympic Gold. Sure we had our opportunities to have it (If Onyok and Villanueva wasn't robbed, If the Wushu event in Beijing wasn't a demonstration sport and if Victoria Manalo- Draves was still a Filipino citizen when she won those 2 golds). But the past is gone and all we can do is help the present (and the future).

Review: Mizuno Philippine Azkals Futbol Kits / Jersey 2010

I got this back when the Azkals got to qualify for the Suzuki cup, way before they got the historic win over Vietnam that pushed them towards the mainstream. From what I heard, during the match against indonesia at the semi finals, Almost all the stocks were wiped out at the mizuno stores except for the kids sizes. So, for those who are asking or have the intent to ask about the availability, Please just wait for Mizuno to release the 2011 version.

Final Thoughts on Fiba Asia

Western powers once again proves they're the team to beat. At first I thought china was still to reign supreme because they still have a good intact team with a lot of experiences. But then I was wrong. Iran, not only beating china but crushing them in front of their home crowd. I can say is just wow. No Mid ranking Asian team got beat that bad by Iran. Not Korea, Not Jordan, Not Taipei, Not even Powerade Pilipinas. China also had down to the wire games against Lebanon and Jordan.

And so ends the 19 year odyssey of PBA backed national teams. It is now up to the new batch of soldiers that will represent the 3 stars and a sun. Frankly speaking, I'm more optimistic this time around with Smart Gilas. The team has been practicing longer than the all pro squad and they're still 2 years ahead. They also have a naturalized player and a coach who was the brainchild of the team that just demolished China. Yes, Matic may be the coach, but Toroman was the "Red Auerbach" of that Iran team.

Gilas Is a good program, Do not destroy it Help It. Hopefully the PBA board gives in to help them by reinforcing them with the 3 players from the powerade team. This will help the league as well, since they can have a solid participation with the national team while not having major loses.

Team Pilipinas' Newest Recruit

Powerade Team Pilipinas, Hurting but still fighting in the midst of the Fiba Asia wars

(Pic from someone who posted it in the interbasket forums, credits to the original owner)

Ok, Normally as a Celtic fan, I'd hate on this guy. But I appreciate this show of class and gesture.


Now as for the Commish wearing the RP Jacket, You know you did a half cooked job. We were given the breaks and Lack of training and fatigue really put us down. You could've pulled them out for the final conference since it was going to be the last tour of duty anyway. I hope you learned your lesson and support smart gilas all the way.

RP Team: Playing Posum?

What transpired over the week seemed to be a shock for the local avid filipino basketball fan. Powerade Team Pilipinas, though not expected to show all and keep intent on winning games in the William Jones cup. We expected to lose games, but not get smacked by Jordan in the opening round or have our 19 point lead vanish at the hands of Japan. Negativity and criticism are rising in local and international hoop forums. But there are signs and flashes of brilliance that make us wonder if the RP Team is really playing possum or not....



There are most times where the team use individual one on one plays and turnovers galore. Basking in dissapointment everytime the opposing team clobbers us by a 10 point lead or so a few minutes within the start of a game, yet we shout and cheer valiantly as the team climbs back to let the enemies' lead wither or even tie the score, using set plays and offensive schemes only to revert back to the NBA style and lose at the end by a few points. Questions like, "why didnt they call a timeout?" or "why didnt they revert to the set plays" boggle out mind. As if in the back of our heads, we are thinking that the team isnt really taking this seriously.

The team who does well in the jones cup does not really guarantee that they'll win big on the suceeding touranments that they will enter. Such an example is the 2007 version wherein Jordan won the jones cup but ended up as only the 5th place in Fiba Asia in tokushima. Kazakhstan, a team which placed way below and 2nd to the last, ended up a notch higher in fiba at 4th place and even made it to the wild card olympic qualifying round. Another example is the 1998 centennial team wherein they won the Jones cup but got smacked by the US College teams, Korea and China in tune to the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games.

Right now we are seeing a mystery, Are we seeing a team which continues to hold back? A team which is really on a loss and has no chance to win in the grand stage? A team which has lost lots of precious preparation time due to the professional league and the commissioner's vision? Or a team that is just playing possum?

In 2 weeks time we will know.

Arboleda Joins Poweade Team Pilipinas

With the recent injuries and uncertain status of Jayjay Helterbrand and Ryan Reyes. Coach Yeng has appointed BK Whopper Guard Wynnie Arboleda as an interim point guard for the national team. He will play in the jones cup but if Reyes' and Helterbrand's injuries continue, might go all the way to Fiba Asia.



Arboleda, The Triple H of the PBA (Like HHH, he is known for his physical and cerebral asassin like calculated moves, plus he is also the son in law of the team owner like HHH and Vince Mc Mahon). Also played in the tune up game against the Atheltes in Action Soldiers of Christ team.

With time Running out and the pba still havent played the final season. Arboleda is the logical choice for the guard even with better players around (Alapag, Castro etc) because of his familiarity in the system.

Powerade Pinas Goes To battle Today against Athletes In action

WKU Big man Japeth Aguilar donning the New Nike red jersey of Powerade Pilipinas (Alternate?) Photo from Interbasket forums/Inside Sports

and The Powerade National Team goes up today against the Athletes in action squad from the USA. The AIA, Christian sports organization and is active in 75 countries. At the san juan arena today

The RP Team and AIA had quite a history together

in 2005, The RP Team lost in the Jones Cup against the AIA after a desparation 3 by Asi

In 2006, While Playing in the Philippines, Gabe Norwood was discovered to be a Fil Am and is now a fixture in RP Basketball

In 2007, SMC Team Pilipinas defeated AIA in the Jones Cup By 6 and was tied with the Philippines for 3rd place.

Powerade RP Will suit up with 9 Players, with some of the players injured or playing in the PBA finals.

While the lineup is still depleted, I'm happy this RP team is getting some tune ups it desperately needs.

I'm not sold on the red jersey though, While it fits Yeng's system. Call me Superstitious, but the last time we wore red was in 2002 (Selecta RP) where the country jinxed its last 3 games, the Yao Ming Blowout, The Packing shet game against Korea and that Morale lacking game against Kazakhstan.

Your 2009 Seaba Champions: Powerade Team Pilipinas!

(This awesome photo is from Nuki Sabio/PBA Graphic Artist and Photographer)

Team Pilipinas recently showed its dominance against weaker South East Asian Rivals. By once again winning seaba. though the winning margins was not as high as the 2007 seaba and sea games, they still managed to win convincingly

Indonesia, the second placer has vastly improved their game, Even sticking out with TP in the first few minutes of the second quarter. A great feat for someone who did not send their real national team just their second best club team garuda bandung reinforced by other players from other teams.

The Games were played in inter barangay/ municipal court look alike. But even then we were treated for 4 days of extreme Pwnage.

Now that the warm up exercises has ended, it is now time for the actual challenge. Coach yeng now needs to match up his boys against El Khatib, Wright, Sun Yue, Orimo, Toroman's former poster boy Ehdadi and more.

Though this powerade rp team lacks practice and exhibition games compared to chot's team or the other countries, Yeng has the capacity to do wonders for any team and that wonder we need is at least a 3rd plact this august.

Philippine Inspired Jackets Part 2

After a year and a half, Here is part 2 of the RP inspired jackets.

Part 1 is here

Accel Beijing Olympics Jacket

So the sad tale of the 2008 beijing olypics team revives within this jacket. Achieving 0 golds, 0 silvers and 0 bronzes for the third straight time, but having a consolation prize in Willy Wang's Gold medal in the demonstration sport of wushu. Accel, usually on the receiveing end when having their designs compared with sporting giant brands nike and adidas, has done a semi decent job with their recent national team jacket. A unique combination of microfiber and air cool cloth. Accel's design is still on the gaudy side, but it is a major improvement nonetheless.

Nike Nokia Pilipinas U-18 Team Jacket

Remember The Nokia Pilipinas team? The one who upset emerging asian giants iran in the crossover finals of the Fiba asia U-18 last year, and also the coaching issue after that. Nonetheless, this is one of the better looking B-ball Jackets nike has made. Better than their version of team pilipinas 2007 and 2009.

Blue with streaks of yellow followed by a combination of wool and air cool cloth. The nokia pilipinas logo is embroidered on the cloth.

Nike Team Pacquiao Jacket Red- This was one of the first jackets that team Pacquiao has used after Manny's contract with no fear expired and switched with nike. This was used in his rematch with Barrera and Marquez in late 2007 and early 2008. There were 2 versions of this jacket, the one with the sponsors (worn by the trainers) and one without (Worn by the Pac Man). This simple stylistic design was a hit back then.

Ever since there are a lot more pacquiao based jackets that nike has and has not been released. They recently did a launching of more limited edition (and better looking) pacquiao stuff (shoes, shirts and jackets) in Nike's Flagship store in Bonifacio high street in the second week of may 2009, I suggest you guys get that one instead.

Nike Team Pilipinas Fiba Asia 2009 Jersey Review

It's Kinda early for the 2009 Fiba Asia championships but nike has recently released its clothing line for Team Pilipinas 2009. The new jersey is similar to most nike jerseys seen in the last olympics which carries nike's swift system of dress.

But then again, there is a renewed sense of nationalism in this country. From the top level international brands, to the major local brands and the cheap or even fake brands seen in the tiangges or bazaars, most of them sport on a new take, Filipino Pride. Some Fashion Fags and crazy government officials may be against it, but everybody else aren't.

That's more than enough reason to release them on an earlier date and make them available towards the public.

The front



The front design features a Team Pilipinas crest at the left and a Nike swoosh mark on the right. It also contains the name "pilipinas" on the chest which has a similar font with the nike 2007 SEA Games Jerseys.

The back

The back is also similar with the designs seen in the Olympic jerseys of China, USA and germany with the aerographics design at the back. What is wierd with the RP Aerographics is that the Abstract vector graphic design that it used to have is not visible at the back of the jersey.

Shown here is the design as seen in the press releases and the launching event:

Shown here is the actual back design of the jersey and compares with the aerographics of the team usa jersey:

The number Issue
The general release jerseys does not have numbers printed in them (like the Regular release Ateneo and La Salle Adidas Jerseys). However, Nike has Provided a month long limited edition printing events for the number on the jersey. For December 2008, 3 Branches will be accepting Printing services (while supplies last) Via heat transfer printing machine. They will also include a small pilipinas at the back. Bonifacio High Street, Mall of Asia and trinoma are the said branches but it is better to call them first because these 3 outlets are sharing 1 printing machine.

In comparison with the 2008 USA Beijing Olympics Jersey

Pros
1. Similar to the USA, germany and China Jerseys, employs nike's swift system of dress.
2. Still cheaper compared to adidas replica and swingman jerseys
3. Released in a wider quantity and is more available.

Cons
1. Graphics on the back are not as good as compared to the Olympic bound teams.
2. Jerseys are of rubberized material while the ones from the other teams are stiched.
3. Jerseys are not printed with numbers and you have to go through the hassle of going to the selected stores just to have them printed. What's worse is that this is a limited thing only.

Yeng Appointed RP Team Coach (Toroman next?)

Yeng Guiao was appointed as the head coach for the 2009 Fiba Asia seniors national team. The announcement was made early this afternoon by commissioner Sonny Barrios.

The Jet Li lookalike coach come politician is known for bringing out the best in no name players, RP Hoops Fans cannot wait for his choices in the national squad.

Here's Hoping that the program and training can run smoothly and politicians from the other camp will shut up and leave the game alone forever.

On other stories, it seems like former Iran national team coach Rajko Toroman is most likely to be the coach of the developmental team that will compete for the 2011 Fiba Asia and hopefully the bad logo 2012 Olympics. With the current issues regarding the coaching staff of the youth team, it is better to have a foreigner who will handle the team. And please BCAP, for once shut up.

Artwork of the Week: K-Will

Customized Mcfarlane Sportspick - Kelly Williams #9 Team Pilipinas
(from TMAC version 3 base figure)

This is the first time I customized an sportspick figure. I saw a lot of customizers do renditions with their sports picks figures for players or variant uniforms that havent been done as of yet. But I havent seen anyone do local (PBA) Players. I've been doing model kits before but this seemed to be a whole new ballgame. I Re sculpted the face and did the decals. The base was also re designed and the Jersey was repainted in the proper colors.