Guiao to retain most of 2007 RP team roster

MANILA, Philippines – RP basketball coach Yeng Guiao's said a majority of the professional players who last saw action for the national team will be included in his lineup for the 2009 Fiba-Asia World Championship qualifiers. "At least 60 or 70 percent of the RP-Tokushima team will be retained. We'll add maybe just four or five more," Guiao said after a consultation meeting with former national coaches Monday. Robert Jaworski, the first coach to lead an all-pro RP team, joined Asian Games coaches Norman Black and Jong Uichico in the discussion. Chot Reyes, who handled the RP squad that campaigned in the Fiba-Asia Olympic qualifiers last year in Tokushima, Japan, was also present. "I'm asking their help in the formulation of the final lineup," Guiao said. "I want them to critique the lineup that I'm going to show them before it is announced to the public." Based on age, Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine, Kerby Raymundo of Purefoods and Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia, who were all in the team that placed ninth in the Tokushima meet, may be shoo-ins for slots in Guiao's team. Others on the Japan team who reportedly have an inside track to the 2009 squad are Mark Caguioa and Jay-Jay Helterbrand of Barangay Ginebra, Asi Taulava of Coca-Cola, Mick Pennisi of San Miguel Beer, and Jimmy Alapag of Talk N Text. Among the candidates for the remaining positions include: James Yap of Purefoods, Cyrus Baguio of Red Bull, Arwind Santos of Air21, Ryan Reyes of Sta. Lucia, Jay-R Reyes of Rain or Shine, and Willie Miller and Sonny Thoss of Alaska. Guiao is also eyeing six-foot-10 former Ateneo standout and current US NCAA Division One player Japeth Aguilar of Western Kentucky. A 15-man lineup is expected to be released next month as the team's first practice is set November 17 at the Ynares Sports Coliseum in Pasig. Guiao added that the chances of hiring a naturalized seven-foot player looked bleak. "There might be some legal obstacle, but I don't think we should stop entertaining that idea," Guiao said. "However, I'm also ready to accept the fact that it might not be in this team." – GMANews.TV