Aussie, Singaporean teams eyed for 'pocket tourney' with RP 5

MANILA, Philippines -It’s never too late for the Philippine men’s basketball team. Not just one but two foreign teams will most likely come here to play the RP quintet of coach Yeng Guiao in a pocket tournament before or after their campaign in the Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA). Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) media bureau chief Willie Marcial has already spoken with Marco Selorio, Sydney Spirit’s marketing manager in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL), regarding the possibility of bringing his team for a pocket tournament against Guiao’s RP squad. “Maganda yung pag-uusap namin (The meeting went well)," said Marcial. “I will relay the message to PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios and we will talk again. Based on our initial discussion, ang plano is first week of April." Selorio, a Filipino based in Sydney, Australia , also suggested that the PBA talk to the Singapore Slingers. The Slingers were formerly competing in the NBL, but decided to pull out of the league and instead concentrated on touring around Asia for several pocket events. Guiao learned about the possibilities of having two foreign teams coming over. He was excited over the news and welcomed this new development. “At least, maski papaaano may magandang nangyayari after our two failed international tournament opportunities." Guiao and his RP team passed up the opportunity of playing in Qatar wherein several strong teams, including Jordan, are also set to compete. They didn’t join the tournament in the Middle East as they were bracing for a much tougher tournament involving a Puerto Rican club champion squad and against the RP developmental team sponsored by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). But the pocket event didn’t push through, much to the dismay of Guiao, who have even scheduled a thrice-a-week practice session. If this new planned pocket tournament involving the Australians and the Singaporeans will push through, Guiao believes this will be a big help in their preparation for their major Asian tournaments lined-up this year. “The Australians are a top caliber team," said Guiao. “Iba ang competition dito. Mataas ang level." The Spirit, formerly known as the Kings, were a three-time NBL champion from 2003 to 2005. Selorio also said that one of his key players, Jason Smith, who has previously played in the Philippines, expressed interest in coming back to the country. “He played there before in 2005 as a member of the Sydney Kings. But some of our guys are on vacation right now, while some are playing in other leagues. But we can work this thing out. If the organizers can arrange a free airfare for our team, then we’re willing to go." Smith is one of the team’s key players – along with Matthew Knight, David Gruber, Derrick Low, and Drew Williamson. The Slingers are very much familiar with the Filipinos’ brand of play. In fact, they recruited two Filipino players the previous year - Jason Castro, who is now playing with Talk N Text and Al Vergara, who was acquired recently by Purefoods. The Slingers beat the Air21 Express in their two-game exhibition series last year in Singapore. “I’ve heard about the Slingers as some of my players have already played against them. Malalaki raw ito, and this is the quality of team we have to face in a pocket tournament to gear up for the SEABA," said Guiao. GMANews.TV