Toroman hopes Gilas carry Jones Cup momentum in FIBA-Asia

Smart Gilas Pilipinas coach Rajko Toroman is hoping that the Nationals' go into the FIBA-Asia Championship for Men with renewed confidence after their third-place finish in the recently concluded 33rd William Jones Cup.

Gilas whipped host Chinese Taipei, 82-72, in the battle for third Sunday at the Hsinjhuang Stadium in New Taipei City and Toroman believes the team is competitive enough to go up against Asia’s best squads.

The FIBA-Asia Championship for men, which runs from September 15 to 25 in Wuhan, China, serves as qualifier to the 2012 London Olympics.

"Overall, I have to be satisfied. We can make a great team in Wuhan," said Toroman after the team’s arrival from the Chinese-Taipei capital late Monday afternoon.

The Nationals also made it to the semifinals of the 22nd FIBA-Asia Champions Cup, which the country hosted Last May.

But for the Nationals to get into the next level, the Serbian mentor believes they have to address their immediate concern of plugging the hole at the power forward spot.

"I've been saying all these years that our main problem is at position four," said Toroman, who is hoping that when pro players Kelly Williams and Ranidel de Ocampo join the team in Wuhan could lessen the team’s problem.

"We need toughness inside. That's what Kelly and Ranidel can give us, toughness and rebounding. That's the biggest point," he said.

Jimmy Alapag will also come on board for the FIBA-Asia tilt, definitely a welcome addition considering starting point guard JV Casio's health issue.

Toroman rested Casio, who had a swollen knee, in the Nationals' last two games in the Jones Cup including the semifinal match against Iran which they lost badly, 78-59.

Rey Joble, GMA News