[img]http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/images/stories/daily_images/2011/March/03292011/sports%20pic01.jpg[/img] SMART Gilas-Pilipinas head coach Rajko Toroman is playing it smart and would rather bench his naturalized player, Marcus Douthit, than risk compounding his injury.
Toroman did not field the six-foot-10 center in their pulsating 98-97 win over Powerade on Sunday despite the American’s plea that he play in the second half of the game where they rallied from a 23-point hole to salvage the squeaker.
“Marcus asked me to let him play in the second half but I didn’t want to risk his injury,” said Toroman.
“Our goal is to prepare for the Fiba [International Basketball Federation]-Asia, not to win the PBA,” he added.
Douthit sprained his left ankle against B-MEG Derby Ace on Wednesday that led to a 90-98 loss, their first after a blitzkrieg 5-0 start. He was in uniform for the Powerade game but was made to warm the bench.
JV Casio and Marcio Lassiter, both guards, filled the void left by the big man Douthit as they hit 29 and 21 points, respectively, to help secure for Gilas a spot in the top six.
The Nationals are now tied with Talk ’N Text for the top spot with a 6-1 win-loss record. They will meet the Kings and the Bolts of Meralco to complete their elimination-round campaign.
Douthit may sit out those last two assignments but Toroman said he is satisfied with the performance of his young Nationals against the Tigers.
“This shows that this team has a lot of qualities even without Marcus,” he said. “These kids know how to play.”
While Casio delivered the game-winner and Lassiter provided the support, Toroman commended big men Japeth Aguilar, Greg Slaughter, Aldrech Ramos and Jason Ballesteros in collectively filling up for Douthit.
Aguilar had his best game in the Commissioner’s Cup with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Ramos, Ballesteros and Slaughter provided the inside presence against the veteran frontline of Powerade.
Team skipper Chris Tiu was also instrumental as he hit a crucial three-pointer. Like Douthit though, he is a doubtful starter when they play Ginebra because of an injured left shoulder.
Joel Orellana, Business Mirror
