National team opens training for Olympic bid

The Philippine team set in motion its preparation to scale the Great Wall – the 2008 Beijing Olympics – as members of the squad assembled yesterday at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center.

Coach Chot Reyes re-opened camp for the Nationals at the center inside Ateneo yesterday, resuming their training interrupted for six months by FIBA’s suspension of the country in international play.

The Nationals, including reserves Rico Villanueva and Romel Adducul but minus Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand who are still on vacation in the US, were welcomed by PBA commissioner Noli Eala and blessed by Ateneo rector Fr. Raymund Holscher.

Danny Seigle showed up despite running a fever although he just stayed on the sideline.

Before starting the session, Reyes announced that Rudy Hatfield is definitely out of the team and impressed on the players that they’re going to live together in the next five months as they seek to bring the Philippines back to its old place in Asian basketball.

Eala lauded the players for the sacrifice they will make, then led the team to its battlecry – Eight-Eight-Eight – referring to Aug. 8, 2008 which is the opening of the Beijing Games.

With only five months to prepare for the FIBA-Asia Olympic qualifier, Reyes said he’s drawn up a battle plan, which "is tantamount to cramming."

"We’ve lined up training and competitions between now and July. We’re cramming because of the delay but we’ll make the best out of the time left," said Reyes.

Minus Caguioa, Helterbrand and Seigle, the Nationals spent the first day of their training just doing abdominal exercises, dynamic stretching, weights, interval running then shooting under strength and conditioning coach Dennis Aenlla.

Assisting the players in the shoot-around were assistant coaches Norman Black, Binky Favis and Aboy Castro.

"We undergo intensive training as we attend a clinic in the US (in the first two weeks of April)," said Reyes.

Reyes scheduled 13 sessions at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center before their departure for the AIB camp in Carson, California on March 29.

From there, the Nationals resume their training back home before competing in the SEABA championship in Rachaburi, Thailand on May 24-28.

"I believe in little success. Small successes could become vital parts of an undertaking that could lead you to a great success," said Reyes on their forthcoming SEABA stint.

After SEABA, the Nationals will tour Europe also for training then fly to Qatar for a tough invitational tourney featuring some of the best in the region.

"We’ve got to be the best in the region, if we’re to make it to the Olympics. If we can play the best teams as much as possible, that’s the way to do it," said Reyes.