Wednesday, March 21, 2007 MVP to RP team: Defeat is not an option
MANILA - Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan and Philippine Basketball League (PBL) commissioner Chino Trinidad expressed confidence the Harbour Centre-RP national team can regain the crown in the 2007 Seaba Champions Cup on April 10-14 in Indonesia.
However, Pangilinan cautioned the coaching staff, headed by Junel Baculi, not to be overconfident because other countries could offset the team’s talent by fielding two good imports during the tourney. The event is the first international sortie for the country since the Philippines was suspended by Fiba in July 2005.
“I’m quiet excited because this will be the first after two years. So it’s important. There is no other option but to win. Defeat is not an option,” said Pangilinan during yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Pantalan Restaurant in Malate.
The five-nation tournament, which allows each team to field at least two foreign imports, will determine the two teams which wil represent Southeast Asia in the Fiba-Asia Champion’s Cup in September in Iran.
Mission
“Our mission is to bring back the glory of basketball, to go for the Seaba gold,” said Harbour Centre team owner Mikee Romero, who was appointed by SBP as the team manager.
As soon as the PBL-backed RP team succeeds in bringing home the title, the Chot Reyes mentored RP team, composed of select players from the Philippine Basketball Association, will take over and represent the country in the Asia Champions Cup.
In the 2005 Champion’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum , the Philippines finished fourth.
“It’s a big honor for the PBL to represent the country. We will not promise but we will win it all. We can be proud of the team,” said Trinidad.
After the three-day tryout, the team coaches and Trinidad selected Al Magpayo, Chico Lanete, Jason Castro, JC Intal, Jojo Duncil, Marvin Cruz, Jeffrey Chan, Jonathan Fernandez, Erick Rodriguez, Larry Rodriguez and Beau Belga as regular members. Doug Kramer, Ryan Arana, Patrick Cabahug and Richard Alonzo were picked as alternates.
Second import
Former Red Bull import, 6-foot-8 Julius Nyosu of Nigeria is the team’s import, but Romero said a second one is in the offing to insure victory.
Romero said that Baculi was chosen as head coach due to his experience as the only two-time Filipino champion coach in the FIBA-Asia Cup.
Baculi will be assisted by Lawrence Chongson of Burger King, Louie Alas of Toyota, Koy Banal of Magnolia, Jun Noel of Hapee, Caloy Garcia of Sista and Luigi Trillo of Cebuana Lhuillier.
Pressure
“I have mixed-feelings because it will be out first but the pressure also is too much because we have to bring back our glory in our first ever tournament since 2005. But the best of the best in the amateur ranks are here, so I’m confident, we can win the tourney,” Romero pointed out.
Both Pangilinan and Romero said the RP team is a result of the harmonious relationship between the SBP-PBL and PBA.
“The unification is really working well here ,” said Romero. (FCC)
