Gabe Norwood's Asia Cup Dream Team
Jayson Castro, Philippines
"Jayson's speed is unmatched, especially on the Asian scene," said Norwood. "Add his consistent outside shot, and he's a headache for any defender."
It's no shocker that Gabe chose one of his most productive teammates. Castro, of course, has been hailed as the continent's best point guard owing to his being named to the All-Star Five in the last two editions of the FIBA Asia Championship. Nicknamed "The Blur," Castro continues to be among the elite players in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), routinely driving past opponents or hitting big three-point shots. Castro has been included in coach Chot Reyes's preliminary 24-man pool for the Asia Cup, and the Blur is expected to make it to the final roster.
"Bahrami and El Khatib are two of the most complete players I've had to defend," Norwood shared. "Both can score from anywhere on the court and step up in big games."
SAMAd Bahrami, Iran
Bahrami is certainly one of the biggest reasons for Iran's meteroci surge to the very top of Asian basketball in the past 10 years. He is not afraid of the big moments, and he has served as both a rising star and grizzled veteran for Team Melli. Now 34, Bahrami has lost some quickness and explosiveness, but he continues to be a consistently productive player. He isn't included Iran's 24-man pool, so we won't see him at the Asia Cup, but his impact not only on Iranian hoops but also on Asian hoops cannot be denied.
Fadi el Khatib, Lebanon
El Khatib has been taking names and dominating Asia since the beginning of the new millennium. He is a beast on both ends of the floor, and he is far from a one-trick pony. On the contrary, El Khatib has been some sort of do-it-all player for the Cedars whenever he steps on the floor. Remember that this guy exploded for 35 points on the world stage in 2006, even helping Iran pull the rug from a stunned French quintet. It's been a very long time since he has played at the Asia Cup, though, so it'll be interesting to see if the 38-year-old superstar can still carry Lebanon.
Andray Blatche, Philippines
"Dray is a mismatch once he steps on the court," Norwood said. "One of the most skilled I've been teammates with."
This prep-to-pro star helped Xinjiang win their very first CBA title, played for Gilas at the SEABA Championship 2017 and may play again at the Asia Cup, since it seems he has some unfinished business. Blatche is so nimble relative to his height and build, and that is a skill-set that will really give opponents significant headaches. He can run, shoot, pass and defend. What more can one ask for, eh?
Ranidel De Ocampo, Philippines
"He is tough, efficient, crafty, and a gamer," said Gabe. "If you search for Philippine style basketball, then you will probably find a picture of RDO."
De Ocampo is not a household name in Asia, but he is one of the unsung heroes of the entire Gilas Pilipinas program. RDO is not that tall, but what he lacks in size he more than makes up for in boxing out and three-point shooting. He is one of the deadliest perimeter scorers on this team, but he often chooses to defer to his teammates. His best stat-line ever in FIBA Asia is from the FIBA Asia Cup 2014, where he averaged 12.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 triples per game. He resonates with so many Filipino fans because he was smaller than most of his opponents and yet he found ways to contribute positively to the sport and to the AJHS.
Source: http://www.fiba.com/asiacup/2017/news/gabe-norwood-asian-dream-team
"Jayson's speed is unmatched, especially on the Asian scene," said Norwood. "Add his consistent outside shot, and he's a headache for any defender."
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| Gabe Norwood's Asia Cup Dream Team |
"Bahrami and El Khatib are two of the most complete players I've had to defend," Norwood shared. "Both can score from anywhere on the court and step up in big games."
SAMAd Bahrami, Iran
Bahrami is certainly one of the biggest reasons for Iran's meteroci surge to the very top of Asian basketball in the past 10 years. He is not afraid of the big moments, and he has served as both a rising star and grizzled veteran for Team Melli. Now 34, Bahrami has lost some quickness and explosiveness, but he continues to be a consistently productive player. He isn't included Iran's 24-man pool, so we won't see him at the Asia Cup, but his impact not only on Iranian hoops but also on Asian hoops cannot be denied.
Fadi el Khatib, Lebanon
El Khatib has been taking names and dominating Asia since the beginning of the new millennium. He is a beast on both ends of the floor, and he is far from a one-trick pony. On the contrary, El Khatib has been some sort of do-it-all player for the Cedars whenever he steps on the floor. Remember that this guy exploded for 35 points on the world stage in 2006, even helping Iran pull the rug from a stunned French quintet. It's been a very long time since he has played at the Asia Cup, though, so it'll be interesting to see if the 38-year-old superstar can still carry Lebanon.
Andray Blatche, Philippines
"Dray is a mismatch once he steps on the court," Norwood said. "One of the most skilled I've been teammates with."
This prep-to-pro star helped Xinjiang win their very first CBA title, played for Gilas at the SEABA Championship 2017 and may play again at the Asia Cup, since it seems he has some unfinished business. Blatche is so nimble relative to his height and build, and that is a skill-set that will really give opponents significant headaches. He can run, shoot, pass and defend. What more can one ask for, eh?
Ranidel De Ocampo, Philippines
"He is tough, efficient, crafty, and a gamer," said Gabe. "If you search for Philippine style basketball, then you will probably find a picture of RDO."
De Ocampo is not a household name in Asia, but he is one of the unsung heroes of the entire Gilas Pilipinas program. RDO is not that tall, but what he lacks in size he more than makes up for in boxing out and three-point shooting. He is one of the deadliest perimeter scorers on this team, but he often chooses to defer to his teammates. His best stat-line ever in FIBA Asia is from the FIBA Asia Cup 2014, where he averaged 12.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 triples per game. He resonates with so many Filipino fans because he was smaller than most of his opponents and yet he found ways to contribute positively to the sport and to the AJHS.
Source: http://www.fiba.com/asiacup/2017/news/gabe-norwood-asian-dream-team
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