Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Sonny Barrios yesterday said FIBA Asia deputy secretary-general Hagop Khajirian will oversee the draw.

Barrios added that Rajko Toroman, the Serbian coach of Smart-Gilas, is not worried about the draw.

"I really don’t care. You can put me in any group," Barrios quoted the Serbian coach as saying during a quick visit at the team practice the other day.

"We have a good team. I visited them during their practice and I was impressed with what I saw. Coach Toroman really knows what he’s doing," Barrios added. "I feel upbeat with this team. I’m sure they will be out there trying to win the title."

Barrios, gracing yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Ave., said Khajirian will arrive today for the draw and inspect the facilities for the May 28-June 5 event.

"We will look at the playing venue at Philsports, the hotels to be used. We will make sure they’re ready," said Barrios, who graced the public service program presented by Smart, Shakey’s and Pagcor with his deputy, Bernie Atienza.

The former PBA commissioner said they’re still waiting for the confirmation of some participating countries because of "certain issues" standing in the way.

Atienza said among the teams that have confirmed their participation are Iran, the defending champion; Syria, Lebanon and Jordan from West Asia.

Atienza said for various reasons, the United Arab Emirates remains doubtful while Qatar and Saudi Arabia are almost in. Kazakhstan is also out, its spot to be taken over by Afghanistan.

"As of midnight last night, we got word that Afghanistan is having problems with its budget," said Atienza, adding Japan and Malaysia, which will take over the slot of Thailand), will be around.