Ateneo coach Norman Black, who has been named earlier to handle the team, is confident that with the level of competition in the SEA Games, non-PBA players can easily secure the crown.

Though he already has a few players in mind for the November tournament, Black said he plans to hold tryouts in the hope of discovering some other talent.

"We're looking for new and young collegiate players to complete the team to see if there are some new faces," said Black, who was named UAAP Coach of the Year during the Collegiate Basketball Awards held Monday night at the Gateway Suites.

Black will be calling the shots for national team for the second time since 1994 when he handled the all-pro team to the Hiroshima Asian Games.

The last time a PH team won a SEAG gold in basketball was in the 2007 games held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand when the Harbour Centre-backed squad led by Gabe Norwood dominated the event.

Basketball was scrapped during the 2009 Laos edition due to lack of facilities.

His duty coincides with his bid to give Ateneo a rare four-peat in the UAAP.

Aside from winning their third straight UAAP crown, the Eagles also won a record third Philippine Collegiate Champions League title in 2010.

Former University of the Visayas star and Smart Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Greg Slaughter is expected to suit up for the team after a year of residency although they are still hoping to add Kiefer Ravena to the mix.

Slaughter is expected to lead PH team to the SEA Games.

Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin