PBA to take active role in forming national team

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), after witnessing that with the right program the country can be an Asian cage power again, has decided to take a more active role in the formation of the national team. Nothing is definite yet on the PBA executive committee's proposal where a 16-player pool, composed of the league's best players, will be formed to beef up future national teams. The proposal awaits the PBA board's approval. The plan was brought up in the aftermath of Smart Gilas-Pilipinas' modest fourth-place finish in the recent FIBA-Asia Championship For Men. The achievement was the best by any Philippine men's team in the biennial meet since a similar placing was attained by an Alvin Patrimonio-led and Joe Lipa-coached squad in 1987. "This was brought up during the Wuhan Games," said Ginebra alternate governor Robert Non, one of the PBA board members who watched and cheered Gilas during the 11-day FIBA-Asia meet. "It was just an idea and nothing is final yet. We still need the board's approval," Non added. Non was joined by B-MEG's Rene Pardo, chairman Mamerto Mondrago of Rain or Shine, vice-chairman JB Baylon of Powerade, PBA commissioner Chito Salud and media bureau chief Willie Marcial during the short trip that allowed them to watch Gilas' second round games against Jordan and Japan. "We will not be joining minor tournaments," said Salud. "The 16 players will only be allowed to play during the months of August and September when our schedule permits." "The purpose of this is because we don't want to be caught napping," Salud added. "We have to sit down with SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas). We have to know SBP's plans over the next two years." Meralco's Asi Taulava along with Talk 'N Text players Jimmy Alapag, Ranidel de Ocampo and Kelly Williams reinforced Gilas in the FIBA-Asia tournament, a 2012 London Olympics qualifying event. — JVP, GMA News