Cagers start title defense vs Thais

HO CHI MINH (Via Globe Telecom)–The Philippine men’s basketball team is well-prepared and well-motivated as it finally plunges into action in the 22nd SEA Games today, opening its campaign for a seventh straight championship against Thailand at the Military Zone 7 Competition Hall here.

No less than First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, who is flying in from Hanoi, is expected to lead Filipino cheerers as the Nationals tangle with the Thais at 8:30 p.m. (9:30 p.m. in Manila).

After three hard practice sessions, coach Aric del Rosario called a light one yesterday, making the Nationals only more eager to start their quest here.

The team’s practice was about to end when benefactor Jean Henri Lhuillier, with team manager Danny Francisco, came and uttered words that further pumped up the Nationals for today’s game.

"Maglaro daw ng maayos at magugulat daw ang mga bata sa sorpresa niya," said Del Rosario on Lhuillier’s promise. Del Rosario also said Lhuillier later joined them in snacks.

"Nainip tuloy lalo ang team sa laban. Gustong-gusto na ng aksyon para magkaalaman na," Del Rosario added.

The team’s plan is to jump the gun on the Thais so as not to give them a chance to score an upset.

"Sabi ko kung pwedeng ilayo kaagad, ilayo na. Mahirap baka magkaroon pa sila ng kumpiyansa at makalaban ng maganda," said Del Rosario.

Minus Rich Alvarez, James Yap, Allan Salangsang and the ailing Wesley Gonzales, the Nationals walloped practically the same Thai team by 15 points in the SEABA championship in Malaysia early this year.

The Philippines repeated with a victory of no less than 20 in its rematch with Thailand in a Hong Kong Invitationals few weeks later.

"May dalawang magaling na wing men, pero si Gary David at Richard Melencio na ang bahala doon. Alam na noong dalawa ang laro noong mga yon," said Del Rosario on the Thais’ main weapons.

Del Rosario was sorry for Gonzales he can’t suit up for today’s game because of his ailment. "Sayang ang ganda pa naman ng inilalaro niya. Versus Angola, isa siya sa maganda ang ipinakita," said Del Rosario.

After Thailand, the Philippines next plays Vietnam Tuesday, Singapore Wednesday, Indonesia Thursday then Malaysia Saturday.

It’s a one-round-robin competition with the best record automatically winning the championship.