MANILA, Philippines — Though his team will be comprised of the finest amateur players, including former Ateneo star Chris Tiu and 6-foot-11 Greg Slaughter, PH basketball men’s coach Norman Black still expects a tougher grind for his boys when they defend the country’s title in the 2011 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Indonesia. "Most teams in the region have improved mostly because of the ABL," said Black during yesterday’s Sports sa Kamayan Forum at Padre Faura in Ermita. "The other Southeast Asian countries are getting exposed to a better quality of competition."
Black, who also is also the mentor of Ateneo in the UAAP, said he’s wary of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
But Black vowed to form a highly competitive team since it’s going to be embarrassing on his part if the country fails to defend its crown.
"I don't want to lose the gold medal under my watch," said Black, who was tasked by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to handle the team for the games that will be held this November in Palembang.
The formation of the ASEAN Basketball League, according to Black, is expected to raise the level competition in the region.
Although most of the six squads in the fledging league are fielding American and Filipino imports more often, the local players have made some improvements as well.
Black singled out Thailand as a team that has improved a lot after the combined Ateneo-Adamson squad dubbed as the "Blue Birds" met them during the Super Kung Sheung Cup last December in Hong Kong. The Filipino won, 83-63.
Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin
