Philippines hope to earn 2010 FIBA world slot

MANILA, Philippines – This year’s Asia Champions Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia will serve as a qualifying tournament for the 1st International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Champions Cup next year, according to FIBA. FIBA, in an email to the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP), said a slot in the 2010 world tournament will be at stake in the Champions Cup slated from May 12 to 20. SBP executive director Noli Eala said the Philippines is seeded in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup after the country and Indonesia were the only Southeast Asian nations to confirm their participation in the tournament. With the FIBA Asia Champions Cup now a qualifying tournament for the World tournament, SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan has asked Serbian coach Rajko Toroman to form a strong that will vie for the elusive slot. The Champions Cup allows participating teams to field two imports with SBP set to tap Chris Taft, 23, as one of the Philippines’ reinforcements. The SBP is eyeing Taft’s naturalization. The Brooklyn, New York native Taft’s 6-foot-10, 260-lb frame will boost the Nationals’ frontline. Taft, who also saw action with NBA team Golden State Warriors from 2005 to 2007, is reportedly flying to the country by next week and the FIBA Asia Champions Cup will serve as a tryout for him. Toroman, who has been tapped to handle the country’s drive for a seat to the 2012 London Olympics, welcomed the new development. “The World Champions Cup will feature strong teams from Euro League, South America and Australia and it’s a big opportunity for this team to play the best teams in the world." – GMANews.TV