Raymundo eyed as RP team skipper

MANILA, Philippines - - Once thinking of quitting, Kerby Raymundo may find himself playing the leader’s role of the national men’s basketball team of coach Yeng Guiao. The 6-6 Purefoods skipper is a strong candidate to be the team captain of the RP five as Guiao sees in him the qualities of a good leader – this despite Raymundo's second thoughts about his stint in the squad. “He has the leadership quality and he has the experience," Guiao said of Raymundo. “But other than that, it was his vast improvement that has been noticeable. He has improved a lot during the last time he played for the RP team and we saw his energy and enthusiasm." The fiery mentor said he is not trying to put pressure on Raymundo or on anyone of the members of the RP team regarding their commitment in playing for flag and country. “I understand Kerby’s situation, but I know deep inside his willingness to represent the country in the Asian tournaments," said Guiao. “I requested PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios baka puwede naming makausap si coach Ryan (Gregorio) and also the Purefoods management on what is the best solution here." Raymundo said last week that he was planning to leave the RP team as he was having difficulty adjusting to the scheduled twice-a-week practice with the RP team and the almost daily practice with his mother team Purefoods. “He told me he was burned out, pero sinabi ko rin sa kanya na isipin munang mabuti ‘yung decision niya at the same time, we can find solutions naman whatever problem each player is facing," said Guiao. Raymundo is among the holdovers of the previous RP team that played in the FIBA Asia Men’s basketball Championship in Tokushima, Japan, handled by Chot Reyes Now one of the most trusted veterans in the group, the former Letran stalwart is being groomed to keep a hold of the squad that has several newcomers like Jared Dillinger of Talk N Text, Ryan Reyes of Sta. Lucia Realty and Cyrus Baguio and Arwind Santos of Burger King. The team is gearing up for the SEABA and Fiba Asia championship and Guiao met with Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Sonny Barrios recently to discuss the possibility of playing a tune-up game with the Sydney Spirit, a professional team from the Australian National Basketball League. The RP five will most likely face the Sydney Spirit of the Australian NBL this April and Marco Selorio, a Filipino based in Sydney and is the marketing manager of the Spirit, is currently awaiting the decision of Barrios. -GMANews.TV