The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas bared its programs for the year as tryouts for the under-16 youth squad and the Southeast Asian Games team get going this week. Executive director Noli Eala said the SBP will throw its all-out support to the preparation of the women’s team for this year’s Fiba Asia Women’s Championship and Smart Gilas Pilipinas, which is seeking to win the Fiba Asia Championship in China in September.
The champion in the Fiba Asia Championship earns an automatic slot to the 2012 London Olympics.
National youth team coach Olsen Racela said an open tryout for the under-16 junior men’s team is slated on Feb. 1 and 3 at 5 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Ateneo coach Norman Black, tapped to mentor the SEA Games team, started last night the invitational tryout for varsity stars led by reigning UAAP MVP RR Garcia of Far Eastern University, Ateneo’s Nico Salva and San Beda’s Garvo Lanete.
Smart Gilas skipper Chris Tiu also announced his intention to lead the squad in the biennial meet set in Indonesia this November.
“We’re looking for big men who can run,” said Black. “For Filipinos to compete, we have to sustain a running game.”
For the senior side, the under-22 National Inter-Collegiate Championship will be organized late this year.
The SBP will also host the 2011 Fiba Asia Champions Cup in May featuring Smart Gilas and nine other club teams from the Middle East, East Asia and Southeast Asia.
Jasmine Payo, Phil. Daily Inquirer
