Guiao wants to keep core of RP team

National coach Yeng Guiao wants to keep the core of the team that topped the classification round in the last Asian Championship as he draws up his plan for the next FIBA Asia tilt in 2009.

Based on the length of exposure and the statistical contribution they had in last year’s qualifying tournament for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Kelly Williams, Asi Taulava, Mick Pennisi, Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Caguioa, Jimmy Alapag, Gabe Norwood, and Kerby Raymundo are likely to be tapped to spearhead the national squad. 

Jockeying for position could be James Yap, Willie Miller, Sonny Thoss, Cyrus Baguio, Arwind Santos, Ryan Reyes, and Jay-R Reyes.

Guiao said he plans to name 15 to 18 players in his pool by the first week of November.

This developed as Guiao met an elite cast of advisers that will help him chart his courses of action in their buildup for the FIBA championship.

The list includes former RP team coaches Robert Jaworski, Norman Black, Jong Uichico and Chot Reyes who had their initial meeting with Guiao and PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios Monday night at the Edsa Shangri-La Plaza.

“They shared their experience and promised to help. Before the final lineup goes , I’ll show the advisory council the proposed lineup. I told them they can endorse players and their endorsement will be considered,” said Guiao

Coach Tim Cone is also in the list but he missed the meeting while attending an earlier commitment.

Those present discussed basically the problems that they encountered during their turn as national coach.

Black, the RP mentor to the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games, talked about scouting, which they didn’t give much importance then.

Uichico, who was at RP helm in the 2002 Busan Asiad Games, discussed the need for international exposure while Reyes, the latest to handle the post in the 2007 Tokushima FIBA-Asia championship, stressed the need to adjust to international calls.

Jaworski, the architect of the silver medal finish of the RP team in the 1990 Beijing Asiad, wants total commitment from the players.

“He wants only the players ready to sacrifice for flag and country. If it comes to a choice between talent and commitment, he’d rather go for commitment,” said Guiao.

Guiao said all problems “raised will be discussed later. One concern is the possible cut in our training period with the tourney likely to be held a month ahead of the original schedule,” he said. – Nelson Beltran