High expectations for Harbour-RP team

THIS early, expectations are high the Harbour Centre-led Philippine Basketball League team that will represent the country in the South East Asia Basketball Association Club Championship next month would prevail and lead the way for the country’s bid to reclaim its lost glory in basketball.

"I believe that if we bring our best available amateur players, then we have pretty good chances of winning the tournament," said Philippine Sports Commission chief William Ramirez. "We have all the traits to become a champion team once again, we have the talent and skills, and, of course, the winning tradition."

Also welcoming the coming international stint, the first for the country since the International Basketball Federation, or FIBA, lifted the suspension of the Philippines from international play, was Philippine Olympic Committee spokesman Joey Romasanta.

"It’s a happy development as far as the POC is concerned," he said. "It shows that everyone is willing to cooperate and sacrifice to attain one common goal."

The national team will be made up of six Harbour Centre players and at least 10 other stars from different teams in the PBL, long acknowledged as the country’s premier amateur league.

Inspired by the team’s back-to-back championship, Mikee Romero, the youthful owner of Harbour Center, is bankrolling the training and participation of the team for the Jakarta meet on April 8-13.

Romasanta also lauded the decision of the PBL to reset the opening of the 2007 Unity Cup to accommodate the request of Romero to form and send a team to the Jakarta tournament. The Unity Cup is supposed to start on March 24.

"The adjustment made by the PBL is one big sacrifice and I hope this would be the start of basketball renaissance in the country," said Romasanta. "I also hope other concerned sportsmen will also lend their support not only to basketball but also to other sports in the country."

With the guidance of business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Romasanta and Ramirez believe the country is treading the right path in regaining its lost glory in the international arena.

"If only we can train our young players long enough, then I’m sure we will become great again," said Ramirez.

The Harbour-RP squad will be beefed up by former PBA import in Julius Nwosu. Harbour needs another import since the SEABA Cup allows a team to bring at least two reinforcements.

The team also wanted to tap San Beda’s Sam Ekwe but the NCAA MVP and Rookie of the Year winner is still recovering from a recent knee injury.