SBP launches own
bid for Olympics slot

BY CHRISTINE MONCADA

AN ambitious three-year basketball program to the tune of P76 million and involving youth players was launched yesterday by the BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas that aims to pave the way for the country’s return to Olympic competition, maybe as early as the 2012 London Olympics.

The members of the team–Gabriel Banal, Jairol Flores, Ryan Garcia, Frank Golla, Mark De Guzman, Mark Lopez, Jed Manguera, Samuel Marata, Jaypee Mendoza, Mark Mendoza, Philip Paredes, Jerome Ramos, Jhon Sumido, Jeric Teng, Joseph Terso and Joseph Tolentino–were presented yesterday to the public in elaborate ceremonies at the Teatrino in Greenhills, San Juan.

The team, which will be pruned down to 15 in April, will train under coach Franz Pumaren through the support of Tao Corp. and Nokia Philippines that shelled out a combined P76 million.

"We are one team with one dream and that’s to regain supremacy in Asia," said BAP-SBP executive director Patrick Gregorio. "By 2009, we are hoping to have a team that will do well in the World Championships qualifier. The same team will play in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou.

"Of course the ultimate goal is to compete in the 2012 London Olympics," Gregorio added.

"We believe these young players can make it happen. They have the will and they have the guts," said Nokia Philippines executive William Hamilton-Whyte.

"Our goal is to help these players pursue excellence," said Julio Sy Jr. of Tao Corp., a major Nokia distributor in the Philippines.

As part of their training, the players will undergo an intensive two-week stint at the Abunassar Impact Basketball Camp in Carson, California in March. They are also set to compete in the Southeast Asia Basketball Association Junior men’s tournament in May in Malaysia and the Asian Youth Basketball Championships in Iran in September.

Pumaren, owner of six titles in the UAAP, will be assisted by brother Dindo, Sandy Arespacochaga and American trainer Dan Rose.

"We know we have a tough task ahead of us, especially since we are going to be up against taller and more experienced teams. But one thing is for sure, we are going to give it our best shot," said Franz.