Chot on scouting trip

The Philippines may have no team in the ongoing FIBA-Asia men’s championship in Doha, Qatar but national coach Chot Reyes is in the gallery, scouting the opposition.

"This is still part of our program for the national team. We’re still doing our job so that in case the Philippines’ suspension (by the FIBA) is lifted, we’ll be ready," said Reyes.

Reyes arrived in Doha Tuesday in time for the start of the quarterfinals where China, South Korea, Lebanon and Qatar were given top seedings after ruling their respective groups in the elimination round.

Accompanied by assistant coach Aboy Castro, Reyes has watched about a dozen of games, including the rugged China-Lebanon game Tuesday night won by the Chinese by a big margin.

"Lebanon was routed despite putting up a good game," said Reyes.

Reyes is also scouting the Malaysians and the Indonesians who could be among the Philippines’ rivals in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games should the country’s suspension by the FIBA be lifted.

"We can never tell, it may be lifted, that’s why we’re also scouting the Malaysians and the Indonesians," said Reyes.

PBA commissioner Noli Eala has said they’re keeping their commitment to lend Reyes to the RP team for the SEAG. Eala also said they’re willing to likewise lend players if so suggested by Reyes.

Eala, however, stressed it still depends on whether FIBA will reinstate the Philippines.

Because of the suspension, the Philippines has missed the SEABA championship and the ongoing FIBA-Asia championship which is the qualifier for the world championship in Saitama, Japan next year.

Missing the Asian qualifier, the Nationals are now hoping for a wild card berth in the 2006 world championship although Reyes has been stressing their main goal is to qualify for the Olympics in 2008.