Series vs US to determine RP team cast

The goodwill exhibition series between the visiting US Team and the RP Team set Feb. 22-March 1 will be the final gauge for the selection of the final 12 lineup that will be competing in three major international events this year.

Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) vice-president Christian Tan said the 26 members of the current national pool will be divided into two teams as coach Aric del Rosario will pick the final players who will comprise the RP Team, backed up by Cebuana Lhuillier owned by John Henry Lhuillier.

"I would like to thank the PBL for this valuable support and the experience these players will gain from this goodwill series will be a big help in our campaign for the three major international tournaments this year. This goodwill series will not only further develop their skills but also help toughen up the players mentally in our quest for the crowns," said Tan.

The RP team will be competing in the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Men’s Championships in April, the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) Men’s Championships in September and the Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam this December.

"Things are looking bright for Philippine basketball now that we have the support of both the PBL and the PBA. With their support, hopefully we could achieve our long-term goal, and that is, to qualify for the Olympics," he added.

Immediately after the Goodwill Series, Tan said the team will immediately plunge into rigorous training for the SEABA championship.

Tan further revealed that the BAP plans an international exposure for the RP team sometime in July, most likely in a European tournament in Italy.

"We’re currently arranging that possibility, but we’ll have to make arrangements with the UAAP and NCAA since it may most likely run in conflict with their schedules. We still have to confirm with our partners in Italy," said Tan.