Undersized De Ocampo, injured Reyes out of RP Team roster

Ranidel De Ocampo and Ryan Reyes were the two players cut by Yeng Guiao in the Powerade Team Pilipinas’ official lineup for the 25th FIBA Asia Men’s Championship in Tianjin, China next month. Shortly before the Nationals went into practice Friday in the 31st William Jones Cup tournament in Taipei, Guiao named the final 12. Included in the list are Jayjay Helterbrand, Willie Miller, Gabe Norwood, Arwind Santos, Jared Dillinger, Cyrus Baguio, Japeth Aguilar, Kerby Raymundo, Sonny Thoss, James Yap, Asi Taulava and Mick Pennisi. A shoo-in at the point guard spot, Reyes reportedly asked to be excluded from the roster due to continuing pain in his left hamstring muscle. The Sta. Lucia guard suffered the injury during the 8th SEABA Championship in Medan, Indonesia two months ago. De Ocampo, clearly undersized against opponents playing his position, was also placed in reserve, the same role he had when the RP men’s squad saw action in the FIBA-Asia meet two years ago in Tokushima, Japan. Injuries could shake up the lineup, of which Guiao is keeping his fingers crossed. “We’re not discounting that possibility. I understand we can still change any injured player three days before the tournament begins." Guiao has been consulting with his coaching staff, including former national mentor Jong Uichico, who has since left, for the past few days and the group reached a “consensus" Thursday night. “It wasn’t really difficult," Guiao said. PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios, who arrived with RP team manager JB Baylon Thursday in time for the South Korea match, said it was imperative a final 12 be submitted to the FIBA Asia organizers. “We had to beat the deadline," Barrios said. With Helterbrand playing intermittently because of recurring tightness in his hamstring, the point guard spot remains a vulnerable area for the RP team, forcing Guiao to leave the door open for Reyes’ return. “I would’ve preferred to have Ryan in the team but he admitted he won’t be 100 percent in Tianjin," said Guiao, adding, however, “pero pag naramdaman niyang okey na siya, then we’ll find a way for him." Guiao didn’t say who Reyes will replace in the lineup. – GMANews.TV