This is the team’s first overseas trip under new BAP (Basketball Association of the Philippines) president Jose Lina. It is expected to boost the team’s title bid in the 23rd SEA Games this November.
"We’re not expecting the team to win in this tournament. But playing against the top teams in Asia will be a good learning experience," said Lina, who was recently acknowledged and recognized by FIBA-Asia as the BAP president.
"The trip is part of our commitment to FIBA-Asia, and we have to fulfill that international commitment. Furthermore, we see this as a first step in revitalizing the programs of the BAP and come up with more competitive national teams in the future," said Lina.
The Filipinas will be playing in Level II against eight other teams that include Malaysia, India, Singapore, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Lebanon and Korea.
The team, coached by Raymond Celis, is composed of Estrellita Enriquez, Charmaine Salalila, Sheila Esteban, Matilde Carreon, Eli Lizondra, Marsha Faustino, Paula Lontok, April Mae Lualhati, Aurora Adriano, Katrina Nido, Divina Reyes, and Cristina Madridano.
"We’re not expecting much but we’ll try our best to make it into the top five," said Celis. "This will be a good tune-up to further enhance their skills and prepare them better for the SEA Games."
Five powerhouse teams will be competing in Level I of the tournament organized by FIBA-Asia. They are China, Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei and Thailand.
In a message sent to the BAP, FIBA-Asia secretary-general Dato’ Yeoh Choo Hock congratulated the former senator and Local Governments secretary for being elected the new BAP president.
Yeoh Choo Hock said that he is looking forward to working closely with the new BAP leadership. He also praised the BAP for the election of its new members of the executive board.