Burlington Youth team lineup known by March 30

Down to 18 players, the final roster of the RP-Burlington Youth Team would be known by the end of the month.

And, chances are, many of them would likely be Tuklas Taas products, San Beda stalwarts or holdovers from the ill-fated 2002 Philippine 18-and under squad.

Prime examples are Jerby Cruz, a 6-foot-5 center from UST, 6-1 Daryl Bautista of Adamson and 6-3 Dilan Ababou of Sienna College.

Discoveries from the Burlington-sponsored search for young six-footers last year, they are expected to make the grade for the team tasked to regain supremacy in the Southeast Asia Junior Basketball Championship slated April 14-19 at the Quezon Covention Center in Lucena City.

Others considered as shoo-ins are 6-3 Jay-R Taganas, 6-3 Rogemar Menor, 5-11 Eduardo Canlas and 5-9 James Martinez of the unbeaten Red Cubs, the reigning NCAA and National Inter-Secondary titlists.

Kevin Astorga, a 6-3 find from International School, and 6-5 Mike Baldos of Ateneo are back to provide the experience they gained as members of the RP-Burlington Youth Team that landed fourth in the Kuala Lumpur edition two years ago.

Also aching for revenge are head coach Johnny Tam and assistant coach Ching Marcelino, who’ve decided to bare the official lineup only on March 30 as the rest of the survivors are equally capable.