Guiao gets cagers' vote of confidence

National coach Yeng Guiao got a tremendous vote of confidence from the players during the PBA Season 34 opening ceremonies last night with each one promising full support and cooperation in an endeavor that hopefully leads to the RP team’s entry to the 2010 World Championship in Turkey.

Members of the RP team to the Tokushima FIBA-Asia championship last year, led by team captain Asi Taulava, all expressed willingness to once again play for flag and country.

Mick Pennisi, Kerby Raymundo and Gabe Norwood said it would be an honor to once again don the national colors. For Kelly Williams, it would be “more than an honor.”

Danny Seigle and Dondon Hontiveros said it would be great to have another stint with the RP team but admitted youth is no longer on their side. They stressed though they’re ready to support anybody that would be chosen by the national coach.

“The mind is willing but.....,” laughed Seigle who will already be 33 by the time the world qualifier is played in September next year.

“I have played in Busan (2002 Asian Games) and in Tokushima (2007 FIBA-Asia championship). It would be great if tapped again. But I might not be young for it anymore. Many other players want a crack. There’s Willie Miller, for one. But whatever, I would be there to support,” said Hontiveros, 31.

James Yap, Rico Villanueva, Lordy Tugade, Junthy Valenzuela, Cyrus Baguio and Gary David are among players aching for a shot at the RP team.

“I’m ready to play for the country anytime,” said Yap, relegated as alternate in the RP team in Tokushima.

“We must give coach Yeng all the support he needs. Even if he has good plans but if not given the support, baka walang puntahan ang team,” said Villanueva, a member of the triumphant RP team in the last SEABA championship but bumped off in the Tokushima joust.

“Kung sa Red Bull, nagpakamatay ako kay coach Yeng. What more if it’s for the RP team,” said Valenzuela.

“I’m 36 but if needed by coach Yeng, I would be available,” said Jeffrey Cariaso, a member of the RP team that narrowly missed the Asiad finals in Busan.

Guiao said he would name his pool by the middle of the All-Filipino eliminations.

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Olsen Racela is now in his 16th season in the pro league, outlasting 93 batch mates Johnny Abarrientos and Vic Pablo.

With Abarrientos and Pablo hanging their sneakers at the end of the 2007-08 campaign, Racela is left as the oldest among all the players at 37. He’s turning 38 on Nov. 1.

Jeffrey Cariaso is the second oldest, turning 36 on Sept. 12, followed by Marlou Aquino who’s also turning 36 on Oct. 7.

Asi Taulava is 35, Nic Belasco, Dennis Espino, Rob Wainwright and Eric Menk are 34 while John Ferriols and Topex Robinson are turning 34 before the year ends. – Nelson Beltran