Familiarity reason behind Arboleda’s RP team stint

MANILA, Philippines – Yeng Guiao said he chose familiarity over talent in naming Wynne Arboleda as Ryan Reyes’ replacement in the Powerade-Team Pilipinas’ roster. “We don’t have enough time to get new players who will learn the system. There might be a lot of talented guards out there, but we need somebody who knows the team’s system," Guiao told GMANews.TV as he gave a logical answer in picking the stocky but scrappy Burger King playmaker. “I know my decision to choose Wynne (Arboleda) will raise eyebrows, but he is the ideal player to fill the spot vacated by our injured guards." Newly-crowned PBA most valuable player Jayjay Helterbrand and sportsmanship winner Ryan Reyes are both nursing injuries. Guiao explained that Arboleda’s stint with the RP team will be only for the William Jones Cup where the country once ruled the tournament in 1981 1985 and 1998. Arboleda, a four-time All-Defensive team member, will only be a pinch-hitter until Helterbrand and Reyes recover from their injuries. Other guards being considered to stand in for Helterbrand and Reyes are Jimmy Alapag of Talk ‘N Text, San Miguel’s Jonas Villanueva, LA Tenorio of Alaska and Coca-Cola’s Alex Cabagnot. Arboleda, 32, said his inclusion in the RP team came as a big surprise. “Nagulat talaga ako nang sabihan ako na dalhin na rin ang passport ko." “At least ngayon may chance na ako makalaro sa Jones Cup. Malaking opportunity sa career ko ito bilang basketball player. Lahat kasi gustong mag-represent ng country," he added shortly after the team’s practice at Fil-Oil Flying V Arena in San Juan City. He may not be Guiao’s popular choice as Helterbrand and Reyes’ substitute for Reyes, but for Arboleda he will just take advantage of the opportunity given to him by the coaching staff. “Hindi ko alam mangyayari sa akin dito kahit after ng Jones Cup. Basta ako, I’ll just grab this opportunity at kung isasama nila ako sa China, why not?" he said. Arboleda is no stranger representing the Philippine team in international tournaments since he was a member of the Louie Alas-coaches RP squad that won the gold in the 1999 Southeast Asian Games. For Arboleda, being included on this team is like receiving a medal of valor. “Parang class A na national team ito. Lahat ng mahuhusay na players andito na." “Pero kay coach Yeng naman walang superstar sa kaniya. Tulad ng sistema niya sa Burger King, lahat ng 12 players kailangan niya kaya tingin ko ganito rin ang sistema niya sa RP team." – GMANews.TV