Guiao names 14-man roster to Philippine team

MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) -- National coach Yeng Guiao bared on Thursday the 14-man roster to the PBA-backed Philippine team that will compete in the FIBA-Asia World Championship qualifier in September 2009 in Guangzhou, China.

And to underscore the seriousness with which people involved in the project are taking the mission, the PBA board of governors, in a luncheon meeting with Guiao and league commissioner Renauld 'Sonny' Barrios, gave the green light for the all-pro squad to compete in the all-important qualifying competition leading up to the FIBA tournament.

"We'll represent the country in the SEABA," Barrios announced in a joint press conference at the league's office in Libis, Quezon City.

With the go-signal, Guiao's team will see action in the Southeast Asian Basketball Association Championship in May 2009, which serves as the qualifying event for the FIBA-Asia tilt.

Named by Guiao are: Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine, Jared Dillinger of Talk 'N Text, Jayjay Helterbrand of Barangay Ginebra, Cyrus Baguio of Red Bull, Mick Pennisi of San Miguel Beer, Asi Taulava of Coca-Cola, James Yap and Kerby Raymundo of Purefoods, Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes of Sta. Lucia Realty, Ranidel de Ocampo and Arwind Santos of Air21, and Willie Miller and Sonny Thoss of Alaska.

No venue has yet been set for the SEABA competition, which Chot Reyes' RP team swept last year in Ratchaburi, Thailand en route to clinching a berth in the 2007 FIBA-Asia Olympic qualifier in Tokushima, Japan.

Barrios said they have already informed the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) of the PBA board's decision through vice chairman and PBA board member Ricky Vargas of Talk 'N Text.

"The SBP, particularly its president Manny Pangilinan, is very supportive of the PBA," said Barrios.

The SEABA joust will mean adjustment in the PBA calendar.

"We still don't know where and when exactly, but it's possible to take a one-week break (during the Fiesta Cup)," Barrios said.

The top three teams in the FIBA-Asia qualifier will advance to the 2010 World Championship in Istanbul, Turkey.

Guiao did not discount the possibility of adding a couple of players to the pool, "depending on the needs of the team.

"Prominently mentioned as a likely addition is former Ateneo player, 6-foot-10 wingman Japeth Aguilar.

During his recent trip to the States, Guiao talked with Japeth's father, former national player Peter Aguilar.

"Japeth is coming in May after his graduation at the Western Kentucky University (where he is playing). He will tryout for the national team," Guiao said.

"As I've mentioned, we're not discounting the possibility of adding one or two players to make this team stronger," he added.

Guiao is set to meet his 14 choices for a dinner meeting on Monday to discuss with them his philosophies and objectives.

The team's first practice is on Nov. 24 at The Arena in San Juan.

"All these players, we asked them if they are willing for the cause of the national team. Perhaps nobody here has been forced to join the team," Guiao said.

As part of its training, Barrios said the national team will probably compete in the Jones Cup tournament in Taipei and a pocket tourney in the Middle East.

"If there is still more time and doable, we'll try to organize an invitational here in Manila," Barrios said.

"A minor league team in the US can also play here," he added. (PNA)