FIVE players from the pro league are suiting up for Smart-Gilas in the FIBA-Asia men’s basketball championship in September that serves as a qualifier for the 2012 London Olympics.
At this point, however, it’s not yet certain who those players would be, although coach Rajko Toroman has drawn up a possible list, among them James Yap, Kelly Williams, Jimmy Alapag, Ryan Reyes, Asi Taulava, Sol Mercado, Jay Washington, Sonny Thoss and Joe Devance.
Newly-appointed Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Sonny Barrios confirmed in yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Ave. the PBA Board has already endorsed the inclusion of five pro players to the Gilas squad bidding to return to Olympics action after 39 years of absence.
"The Commissioner (Chito Salud) told me the Board has approved already the possibility of lending five PBA players to Gilas," Barrios said in the public service program presented by Smart, Shakey’s and Pagcor.
Last year, in Barrios’ final term as PBA commissioner, three players–Asi Taulava, Kelly Williams and Sol Mercado–beefed up the Gilas squad that competed in the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. The nationals failed to make the semifinals and finished sixth.
Aside from announcing his shopping list, Toroman also wants the five players to start practicing with the team immediately.
Barrios, who took over the post vacated by former pro league commissioner Noli Eala, expressed his gratitude to SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan for tapping him for the sensitive job.
"It’s heartwarming they considered me for the position," said Barrios, in particular pointing to SBP vice-chairman Ricky Vargas who pushed for his selection.
"It was also Ricky who also prodded me to become the PBA Officer-In-Charge in 2007," Barrios said.
"I must be doing something right, especially in my 21 years in the PBA, for them to consider me as SBP Executive Director."
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