SMC-RP opens Brunei defense

San Miguel-Pilipinas opens defense of its crown in the 2006 Brunei Sultan Cup versus Saudi Arabia today in high spirits following its recent two-game sweep of second-ranked Asian squad Lebanon at home.

Coach Chot Reyes has tapped San Miguel’s Danny Seigle, Dondon Hontiveros and Dorian Peña, and Air21’s Mark Telan and Niño Canaleta to replace Jimmy Alapag, Mick Pennisi, Denok Miranda, Kelly Williams and Arwind Santos for the Brunei joust.

Seigle, Hontiveros and Peña are fresh from their stint with San Miguel Beer in the Asian Pro League in Taiwan as they banner the Nationals in their 9 p.m. tiff with the Saudis.

Assistant coach Aboy Castro calls the shots for the San Miguel-Pilipinas with Reyes flying to Brunei only on Monday.

Completing the roster are RP-Lebanon series holdovers Ranidel de Ocampo, Mike Cortez, Willie Miller, Don Allado, Renren Ritualo and Asi Taulava.

The Nationals face South Korea at 3 p.m. tomorrow, the Darwin All-Stars of Australia at 7 p.m. Monday, Barangay Ginebra at 9 p.m. Tuesday and Jordan at 7 p.m. Friday.

Aug. 26 is reserved for the crossover semifinals with the championship set the following day.

Barangay Ginebra starts its own campaign in the tourney Monday since the Kings need to attend the PBA Rookie Draft at Market! Market! in Taguig tomorrow.

The Kings are fielding in Eric Menk, Mark Caguioa, Rommel Adducul, Andy Seigle, Billy Mamaril, Rafi Reavis, Sunday Salvacion, Mark Macapagal, veteran free agents Allan Salangsang and Egay Echavez and rookie free agent Christian Coronel from San Sebastian.

The Nationals beat the Alaska Milk Aces in the Brunei Sultan Cup finals last year.

The Nationals departed Manila at 4 p.m. yesterday via Royal Brunei.

San Miguel Corp. basketball operations chief Robert Non follows the team Wednesday, while PBA commissioner Noli Eala, media bureau chief Willie Marcial and San Miguel board representative Ely Capacio fly in the following day.