Racela thinks Alapag, Hontiveros are RP team material

To the eyes of Olsen Racela Jimmy Alapag and Dondon Hontiveros were two players left out in the Powerade-Team Pilipinas’ lineup. Team Pilipinas, who will be competing in next month’s FIBA Asia Men’s Basketball Championship, is currently playing in the 31st William Jones Cup in Taipei. “We lacked a great point guard and we don’t have enough shooters," Racela, who is a two-time member of the all-pro RP squad to the Asian Games, told GMANews.TV. “Jimmy was the most consistent among all Filipino players in Tokushima and perhaps the most effective point guard at that time. Jayjay (Helterbrand) was only a backup for Jimmy," said the former Ateneo stalwart. “Dondon helped opened up the middle with his long-ranged jumpers and could become an asset to the RP team now. I truly felt they deserved spots in the RP team." Alapag was the most consistent RP team player in the country’s previous participation in the FIBA Asia Championship while Hontiveros, aside from being an outside threat, was a decent defender at the big guard position during his two previous stints with the Nationals. Unfortunately, these two key players weren’t included in the Powerade-RP quintet handled by Yeng Guiao. Guiao said Alapag was close to making the team. He was the third choice for the point guard spot, which is now occupied by Helterbrand sophomore Ryan Reyes of Sta. Lucia. Other players like Fil-Ams Jared Dillinger and Gabe Norwood as well as two-time MVP Willie Miller can also play the point guard post. Alapag’s non-inclusion, according to Guiao, was also based on the match up situations as taller guards are playing in the international level. As for Hontiveros, the big guard spot is so congested, which is the reason why he failed to represent the country for the third time and join Asi Taulava and Mick Pennisi as the longest-tenured players in the RP team roster. Racela, on the other hand, praised Jong Uichico’s inclusion in Guiao’s coaching staff. “What people don’t know about coach Jong is how good he is in terms of scouting and game preparations." “Grabe yung game preparation ni coach Jong. He is really a hardworking mentor. Broken down to details talaga yung nasa notes niya. He will be a big help for coach Yeng and his experience in the international is also a big plus." – GMANews.TV