Jordan upsets two-time defending FIBA-Asia titlist Iran, 88-84

by RENEE FOPALAN, GMA News


Previously unbeaten Iran lost when it mattered most, absorbing a crushing 88-84 loss to Jordan in the quarterfinals of the 26th FIBA-Asia Olympic Qualifiers in Wuhan, China. The upset win now sets up the Jordanians against the winner of the match between Smart Gilas-Pilipinas and Chinese Taipei on Friday, 6 p.m. Manila time.

The game was tight from the opening tip with Iran posting a slim 36-35 advantage at the turn. The two-time defending FIBA Asia champions hiked their lead to five, 62-57, entering the fourth quarter.

But a 31-22 scoring in the final quarter propelled Jordan, who previously had a 2-3 record coming into the game, to victory.

Hamed Hadadi, Iran's 7-foot-2 center who plays for the Memphis Grizzlies, shot 10-of-21 from the field to finish with 27 points.

The two-time MVP of the tournament also had 14 rebounds, seven assists and three block shots for the Iranians, who played minus the injured Samad Nikkhah Bahrami in the first half.

The versatile-forward shook off his ankle injury and played the entire second half to finish with eight points and four rebounds.

Arsalan Kazemi had 13 points and 16 rebounds also for Iran

Sam Daghles paced Jordan with 23 points behind a 7-of-16 shooting clip. He also had four rebounds, five assists and three steals.

Zaid Alkhas buried a three-pointer to put Jordan up, 80-78, with one minute and 45 seconds left in the game clock.

The 6-foot-5 Daghles took over then and scored all of Jordan's last eight points from thefree throw line, including two charities off a Haddadi unsportsmanlike foul with 65 seconds left for an 82-79 spread.

"We played like a baby. We played very bad," said Iran guard Mohammed Hussein.

Jordan's win heavily Gilas, provided that they get past Chinese Taipei. Gilas previously beat Jordan, 72-64. It was a controversial match with Jordan putting the game under protest.

A miscommunication between FIBA Headquarters and FIBA Asia officials led to Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz being barred from playing, although FIBA secretary-general Patrick Bauman had allowed both Filipino-American guards to suit up for Gilas.

The winner of the tournament earns an outright berth in the 2012 London Olympics. The second and third placers will join the runners up from Europe, Americas, Africa and Oceania for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The top three teams from this tournament will earn the final three spots for the Olympics. — JVP, GMA News

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Gilas gets lift from Champs

source: WAYLON GALVEZ

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Renauld “Sonny” Barrios said that the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup here will be a big help for the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas as they prepare for the FIBA-Asia Championship in September in Wuhan, China.

MANILA, Philippines – “It will be a very good training ground for our national team,” said Barrios Tuesday in the PSA Forum where he announced the preparations being made by the SBP in hosting the Champions Cup set to begin on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.

Smart-Gilas is in Group A together with Jordan-ASU, the Malaysia KL Dragons, Saudi Arabia, which replaced Japan, and Iraq, the team added by FIBA-Asia officials to complete the 10-team cast. The Nationals will face Saudi Arabia on opening day.

In Group B are Lebanon, Qatar Al-Rayyan, United Arab Emirates-Al Shabab, Syria and three-time defending champion Iran-Mahram.

For Barrios, Iran, which will bring in some of its national players like Smad Nikkah Bahrami, Medi Kamrani, Hamed Afagh and Asghar Kardoust, together with Lebanon are the teams to beat in the Champions Cup.
Bahrami, Kamrani and Afagh were part of the Iran team that won the 2007 and 2009 FIBAAsia
Championships in Tokushima (Japan) and Tianjin (China), respectively, while the 6-11 Kardoust was with the team that claimed bronze medal in last year’s Guangzhou Asian Games.

Iran will also have imports Cheikh Samb from Senegal and American Chris Williams. The tournament allows teams to have two imports, but Smart-Gilas will have none although the team has 6-foot-10 naturalized Marcus Douthit.

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Gilas 5 faces Saudis in opener

source: By Joey Villar  
(The Philippine Star) 

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas Pilipinas opens its FIBA-Asia Champions Cup campaign against Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia on May 28, seeking no less than a victory at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

As hosts, the Nationals are grouped with tournament lightweights ASU of Jordan, Duhok of Iran and the Kuala Lumpur Dragons of Malaysia and are expected to ease through the quarterfinal round.
The Phl-Saudi Arabia game is set at 6 p.m.

“We’re aiming for a finals appearance at least and see what happens from there,” said Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman. “We know the Filipino people are coming to watch and cheer for us and we don’t want to disappoint them.”

The Nationals are taking the Dragons next at 6 p.m. on May 29 before taking a rest the next day.
Malaysia is expected to field in the maximum of three reinforcements, including Filipino players the way they did in the Asean Basketball League.

The hosts square off with Duhok of Iran next at 8 p.m. the following day before closing out their elimination round campaign against the group’s toughest squad in ASU of Jordan at 8 p.m. on June 1.

The other group, considered the “Group of Death,” is composed of defending champion Mahram of Iran, reigning West Arab League and Lebanese titlist Al Riyadi of Lebanon, last year’s runner-up Al Rayyan of Qatar, Al Jalaa of Syria and Al Shabab of United Arab of Emirates.

Smart Gilas will be spearheaded by naturalized Marcus Douthit, and a pair of pro cagers in Asi Taulava of Meralco and Dondon Hontiveros of Air21.

Toroman had hoped to get Kelly Williams, Jimmy Alapag and Ranidel de Ocampo of back-to-back PBA champion Talk n Text but the troika begged off to backstop the team in the nine-day event.

Still, the Gilas roster remains formidable with team captain Chris Tiu, co-skipper Mark Barroca, JV Casio, Mac Baracael, Marcio Lassiter, 6-9 Japeth Aguilar, seven-footer Greg Slaughter, Dylan Ababou, Chris Lutz and Aldrech Ramos.

“We have to be prepared because we know the competition is going to be tough,” said Toroman.

Smart Gilas is seeing action in the annual event for the third straight time, reaching the quarters in Jakarta in 2009 and in Doha, Qatar last year where it lost to tall, more experienced Qatar and Lebanon squads.

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Saudi, Iran teams complete FIBA-Asia Champions Cup cast - gmanews

source: Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News

Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad and Duhok of Iraq completes the final cast in the 2011 FIBA-Asia Champions Cup on May 28 to June 5 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Al Ittihad will take the place of Japan, which decided to withdraw from the tournament after they are still recovering from a devastating earthquake that hit the country last month. Duhok, meanwhile, is the Middle East representative.

Korea also turned down FIBA-Asia's invitation to participate in the tournament.

Al Ittihad and Duhok will join Pilipinas-Smart Gilas, ASU of Jordan and KL Dragons of Malaysia in a much-lighter Group A.

With the composition of Group A now complete, Gilas coach Rajko Toroman is confident that the Nationals can take one of the top two spots.

"I expect our team to be either first or second in the group because Jordan also has national players in their line-up," said Toroman.

Group B, meanwhile, will have the strong teams in Al Riyadi Beirut of Lebanon, Al Rayyan of Qatar, Al Shabab of United Arab Emirates, Mahram of Iran and Al Jalaa of Syria.

Gilas defeated Duhok in last year's FIBA-Asia Champions Cup to earn a quarterfinals berth in the tournament.

Toroman said that Al Ittihad's coach is also a Serbian.

"He is a Serbian guy and he was one of my former assistant coach so we will arrange a tune-up game before the competition," Toroman said. - Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News

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Hontiveros' performance impresses Gilas coach - gmanews

source: Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News

Pilipinas-Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman is impressed on the impact Air21's Dondon Hontiveros is making with the team.

In fact, Toroman believes that Hontiveros will be a vital part of the team even though he has only joined them in practice after the Express was swept by Talk 'N Text in the semifinal round of the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

"Dondon has really picked up the system," said Toroman in Tuesday's Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum. "I think that he is the puzzle that we have been missing. He is a guy that can do a good job for us."

Hontiveros along with Meralco's Asi Taulava have joined Gilas in their build-up for the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup on May 28 to June 5 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Jimmy Alapag and Kelly Williams of the newly-crowned PBA Commissioner's Cup champions Talk 'N Text have also been included in the team but has yet to show up in practice after a grueling six-game finals series against Barangay Ginebra.

"We will still make a decision if they will be part of the team for the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup," said Toroman.

But the Serbian mentor hopes that Alapag and Williams could make it to the team especially Williams, who expects to play a big role on defense if he becomes part of Gilas.

"We are a little weak in the four-position and I expect Kelly to help us defensively. He has helped up on defense during the Asian Games in that position. He covered the holes in our defense," said Toroman.

Toroman said he hopes the inclusion of pro cagers in Gilas' line-up could the Nationals' chances in the FIBA-Asia Championship set in September in Nanjin, China. The tournament will be a qualifier for the 2012 London Olympics. - Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News

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FIBA officials welcome Philippines' hosting of Champions Cup - gmanews

source: gmanews


Two-high ranking officials of FIBA Asia, the governing body for basketball in the region, have stamped their seal of approval on the Philippines’ hosting of the 22nd Champions Cup from May 28 to June 5 at the PhilSports in Pasig.

“The 2011 calendar could not have got to a better start than with an event in the Philippines, where basketball is almost a religion," said Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al-Thani of Qatar, president of FIBA Asia.

Dato Yeoh Choo Hock, FIBA Asia secretary-general, shared the sentiment.

"The first event of every FIBA Asia calendar is always exciting. And when a country like Philippines hosts the first event, we are excited many times more," said Dato Yeoh. “The passion and fervor with which basketball is followed in the Philippines needs no elaboration."

The similarly-toned messages were received by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas deputy executive director Bernie Atienza and relayed to SBP executive director Sonny Barrios.

"We are very much encouraged by the trust and confidence given to SBP by FIBA Asia by granting the hosting rights of the Champions Cup to the Philippines," said Barrios.

“In turn, no less than SBP president Manny Pangilinan and vice chairman Ricky Vargas, the LOC chairman, are personally involved in seeing to it that everything is in place in time for the start of this prestigious international basketball event."

Echoed Atienza: “We are very much encouraged by the words expressed by the FIBA Asia officials, and inspire us even more to do our best in ensuring that the event will be a huge success."

Saud Sheikl said he expects the level of competition among the participating teams to be “as high and excellent as it has always been," noting, as well, that it has been some time since the country hosted a FIBA Asia event.

“It is six years since I welcomed them back to our family of host cities," he said. “I am sure the basketball fans of Philippines are waiting with bated breath for the 22nd FIBA Asia Champions Cup to tip off. So are we."

That a Southeast Asian nation is playing host, Dato Yeoh said, is extra special.

“Personally for me, it is indeed a pleasure to witness a FIBA Asia event being held in a SEABA nation, which is very close to my heart," said Yeoh. “The Philippines has shown very encouraging signs in the recent past in upgrading their system of play to excel in FIBA
Asia events."

Meanwhile, the local organizing committee for the tournament will conduct its first orientation program for volunteers today, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the audio-visual room, GF PSC Bldg. A, PhilSports Complez, Meralco Ave. in Pasig City.

Handling the lecture series is Prof. Anthony Servinio of the College of St. Benilde. - RCJ, GMA News

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Smart Gilas on course – Toroman | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

source: By WAYLON GALVEZ

MANILA, Philippines — Smart Gilas Pilipinas created a big impression when it advanced outright to the semis of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Although the Nationals lost to the Ginebra Kings in their best-of-five semis duel, they earned raves from almost everybody, including Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, who said: “They have really improved a lot. They’re very dangerous team.”

But the readiness and full strength of the team will only be gauged after the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup which is slated next month in Manila.

With Iran, Lebanon, Jordan, Qatar and Japan joining the tournament, Gilas Serbian coach Rajko Toroman expects a tight and exciting race for the crown.

“In the Champions Cup, we’ll show where we are right now,” said Toroman as they further intensify their training for the FIBA-Asian Championship in September in Wuhan, China which is the qualifier for next year’s 2012 London Olympic.

The Champions Cup is slated on May 28 to June 5 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

“The level of competition is going to be tough in the Champions Cup as teams from Iran, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan will also see action. We hope to do well in this tournament since we’re playing in front of the home crowd,” he added.

The national team is bracketed Group A together with Jordan-ASU, Japan, Kuala Lumpur Dragons and a team FIBA-Asia will pick from Middle Asia. In Group B are Lebanon, Qatar Al-Rayyan, United Arab Emirates-Al Shabab, Syria and three-time defending champion Iran-Mahram.

The tournament gathers the top club teams from each zones although most teams like the Philippines, Iran, Qatar, Jordan and Lebanon will parade their respective national squads reinforced by two imports.

Since Marcus Douthit is already a naturalized player, Toroman said they will no longer get another import, but it’s possible that two of four players from the PBA – Dondon Hontiveros and Asi Taulava – will see action in the event.


“We’ll ask Asi and Dondon to join us in practice on Monday. We’ll see if they can join us in the Champions Cup. It’s possible,” Toroman said.

As for the other two PBA players, Jimmy Alapag and Kelly Williams, Toroman said: “That depends on the PBA Finals. We want to give these guys some rest. But if they can play in the Champions Cup, we’ll see.”

Alapag and Williams of Talk ’N Text will play in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Barangay Ginebra starting today.

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PHI - Two PBA players confirmed for Smart Gilas; two more likely

source: fiba.com

MANILA (FIBA Asia Champions Cup) - Two PBA players Dondon Hontiveros and Asi Taulava have been confirmed to play for Smart Gilas, when the Filipino capital hosts the 2011 FIBA Asia Champions Cup from 28 May – 5 June.

Smart Gilas, a development project started by Philippines two years ago under Serbian coach Rajko Toroman, will continue to utilize the experience of the FIBA Asia Champions Cup in their pursuit of a top finish in the 26th FIBA Asia Championship in Wuhan, China later this year.

The team formed with a group of young collegians caught the eye when they made their debut in the 20th FIBA Asia Champions Cup at Jakarta in 2009.

“We really need them. They’ve become more of a necessity for us right now with Kelly Williams and Jimmy Alapag of Talk N Text playing in the PBA Finals,” said Toroman on Tuesday.

Williams and Alapag too are expected to join the Smart Gilas as Rajko chases the dream of leading another FIBA Asia team to the Olympics after leading Iran to victory in the 2007 FIBA Asia Championship ensuring qualification for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

But the quantity and quality of time the TnT duo spend with the Smart Gilas depends completely on how the franchisee fares in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, which start on Wednesday.

“We want to give these guys some rest. But if they can play in the Champions Cup, we’ll see,” Toroman said about the TnT duo.

“We’ll ask Asi and Dondon to join us in practice on Monday. We’ll see if they can join us in the Champions Cup. It’s possible,” Toroman said.

With American Marcus Douthit playing now as a naturalized Filipino, Smart Gilas will play the FIBA Asia Champions Cup without any imports.

The Smart Gilas were in impressive form recently before losing to Ginebra Kings in the Commissioner’s Cup semi-finals, and earned rave responses.

“They have really improved a lot. They’re very dangerous team,” Ginebra coach Jong Uichico after his team beat the Smart Gilas in the semi-finals.

But Toroman was equanimous about the result saying “we’ll show where we are right now in the Champions Cup.”

“The level of competition is going to be tough in the Champions Cup as teams from Iran, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan will also see action. We hope to do well in this tournament since we’re playing in front of the home crowd,” he added.

Smart Gilas have been drawn with Asean Basketball League semifinalists KL Dragons of Malaysia, Jordanian champions ASU, a top club team representing Japan and the representative of FIBA Asia Sub zone Middle Asia.

Smart Gilas had qualified for the quarter-finals in both their previous appearances in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup.

They finished sixth at Jakarta on debut in 2009 and seventh at Doha last year.

FIBA Asia

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Hontiveros, Taulava to join PHL 5 in FIBA Asia Champions Cup

source: gmanews.tv

Philippine Basketball Association veteran stars Dondon Hontiveros of Air21 and Asi Taulava of Meralco are expected to join the Pilipinas-Smart Gilas squad in next month’s FIBA Asia Champions Cup.

Frankie Lim, team manager of Smart Gilas, confirmed this development to GMA News.

“It’s a pre-approved deal," said Lim in an interview Sunday night after his team lost to the Ginebra Gin Kings, 85-92, in Game 4 of their PBA best-of-five semifinals series.

“I don’t see any problem in getting their services. We really need them to reinforce our campaign in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup. Eventually, they will become members of the squad and play for the FIBA Asia Championship," added Lim.

The Philippines will host the 10-nation FIBA Asia Champions Cup to be held at the Philsports Arena from May 28 to June 5.

National team coach Rajko Toroman added Hontiveros and Taulava will become key additions to their squad.

“We really need them. They’ve become more of a necessity for us right now with Kelly Williams and Jimmy Alapag of Talk N Text playing in the PBA Finals," said Toroman.

Air21 coach Bong Ramos said in a telephone interview that he was informed by the Express management of Smart Glas’ request to have Hontiveros joining the squad in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup.

“Hindi ko naman siya pipigilan dahil national team ‘yan," said Ramos.

Ryan Gregorio, Taulava’s coach at Meralco, said he will approve Taulava’s inclusion to Gilas as long as there is management’s approval.

“Yes, if it’s for the country, it’s non-negotiable and there’s no reason to disagree in loaning Asi to Gilas," said Gregorio in a text message. “But of course, it is subject to approval. If Meralco management agrees, I will not get in the way."

Hontiveros and Taulava were teammates in the all-pro national team to the 2002 Asian Games in Busan and the 2007 FIBA Asia Championship in Tokushima. - Rey Joble, GMA News

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Smart Gilas upbeat despite PBA semifinal loss

source: By June Navarro
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- The Smart Gilas national team has accomplished its mission despite a semifinal meltdown against crowd-favorite Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner's Cup Sunday.

"I think we played good in the playoffs. We just lost to a better team,'' said Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman after the Kings showed them the door, 92-85, in Game 4 of the best-of-five series.

"But as I've said before, our goal is not the PBA. In the end, we got the tough games that we needed and that's what we really wanted,'' added the Serbian coach.

The Nationals finished the elimination round of the tournament with a 7-2 record, second behind top playoff qualifier Talk ‘N Text, for an automatic semis spot before losing to the Kings, 3-1, in their duel for the second title slot.

"We're very competitive. I think we showed that we're not an inexperienced team. It's just that our approach to the PBA is different,'' said Toroman.

Smart Gilas used its stint in the pro league as preparation for the Fiba Asia Championship in Wuhan, China, on Sept. 15-25 where the champion qualifies to the 2012 London Olympics.

Led by naturalized player Marcus Douthit and team captain Chris Tiu, the national team has a series of international tournaments and tune-up games lined up before the Asian championship.

"We had a hard time, but I think that's good for the team. We survived a lot of adversities,'' said Toroman.

The Nationals, who also have guards JV Casio, Marcio Lassiter, Mark Barroca and Chris Lutz, forwards Mac Baracael, Dylan Ababou, Japeth Aguilar, Aldrech Ramos and centers Greg Slaughter and Jason Ballesteros, took a week's rest and would resume practice on Monday.

Next stop for Smart Gilas is the Fiba Asia Champions Cup on May 28-June 5 at the Philsports Arena.

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Gilas to have easier assignments in FIBA Asia Champions Cup

source: gmanews.tv

With host Philippines enjoying the incentive of picking which group to join, the Pilipinas-Smart Gilas has been bracketed in the "easier" Group A in the 22nd FIBA-Asia Champions Cup set next month.

Gilas coach Rajko Toroman opted for Group A where they will join ASU Jordan, Malaysia's KL Dragons, a Central Asia representative and a Japan team in the week-long competitions, from May 28 to June 5, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Group B, considered to be the "group of death," will have defending champion Mahram of Iran and runner-up Al Rayyan of Qatar along with Al Sahad of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and a Syrian and Lebanese team.

Toroman said he likes the draw since Gilas will only face the tougher teams in the quarterfinals.

"The best teams in the competition are in Group B. In Group A, we can build enough confidence if we enter the quarterfinals because any of the teams in Group B will be very, very tough," said Toroman.

But the Serbian coach is not underestimating the Group A teams. "It won't be easy but it will be (much) easier compared to Group B."
FIBA-Asia deputy secretary general Hagop Khajirian drew the lots with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manny V. Pangilinan, executive director Sonny Barrios and former Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) president Moying Martelino attending the ceremonies at the Discovery Suites in Pasig City.

All teams can play with an import but Gilas will not field any as they continue their preparation for the Asian qualifying round of the 2012 London Olympics. Marcus Douthit is already a naturalized Filipino.

"We will have the disadvantage of not having an import, but our goal is the FIBA-Asia Championship while playing with Marcus Douthit," said Toroman.

Pilipinas-Smart Gilas is currently readying to play its best-of-five semifinals series against Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

All games of Pilipinas-Smart Gilas in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup will be played at 8 p.m. with the exception of May 28 and 29, when the nationals play at 6 p.m. – Reuben Terrado, JVP, KY, GMA News

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Gilas to benefit from skipping PBA Governors Cup

source: gmanews.tv

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Renauld "Sonny" Barrios agrees with Pilipinas-Smart Gilas' decision to skip participation in the coming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors Cup.

"It will be good for the team," said Barrios. "Skipping the Governors Cup was necessary, but it is not a luxury to rest."

Even Gilas coach Rajko Toroman told Barrios that he is lukewarm about playing in the Governors Cup.

Barrios said that the Gilas' real aim is to compete in the FIBA-Asia Championship in Wuhan, China on September 15 to 25, a qualifying event for the 2012 London Olympics that the National team hopes to join.

"Malayo-layo pa 'yung tournament, which is the FIBA-Asia, pero natatakot din siya na baka masunog 'yung team," said Barrios.

Barrios said that with Gilias skipping the Governors Cup, they have more time to prepare for the FIBA-Asia tilt, since the team is set to compete in the Jones Cup and the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup, which the Philippines will be hosting on May 28 to June 5 at the PhilSports Arena.

The Champions Cup's draw ceremony will be held on Friday at the Discovery Suites ,and Barrios said that Toroman is confident about Gilas’ chances.

"(Toroman) said that 'you can put (Gilas) in any group,'" Barrios quoted Toroman. - Reuben Terrado, JVP, KY, GMA News

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5 pro stars beefing up Gilas bid in FIBA-Asia

source: malaya.com.ph

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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