James Yap, Willie Miller and Cyrus Baguio could well be among the new faces donning the RP colors in the FIBA-Asia men’s championship next year.
Yap, Miller and Baguio, among the most exciting players in the PBA today, are said to be high on the list of players coach Yeng Guiao is considering for the national pool.
Sources said Asi Taulava, Mick Pennisi, Sonny Thoss, Ranidel de Ocampo, Arwind Santos, Kelly Williams, Kerby Raymundo, Gabe Norwood and Jayjay Helterbrand are also being eyed by Guiao for the list he’s to present to PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios tomorrow.
Uncertain is the status of Mark Caguioa as he’s in the United States nursing an injury.
Among borderline cases are Air21 rugged playmaker Wynne Arboleda and Sta. Lucia sophomore guard Ryan Reyes.
The league commissioner and the national coach are to officially announce the composition of the national pool once they get the commitment of each of the chosen players.
Guiao has said he’s looking for players who could commit time and effort for this national endeavor.
Guiao and his team will compete in the 2009 Asian joust seeking to clinch one of three slots allotted for the region for the 2010 World Championship in Turkey.
Yap narrowly missed a slot in the Tokushima RP team last year, bumped off by Talk n Text rifleman Renren Ritualo.
The 2006 MVP winner, however, has said he would always be available if needed by the team.
Miller and Baguio have said the same.
Miller has long been aching to play for the national team as, for all his accomplishements, he has yet to don the national colors in a career dating back to his amateur days.
Left behind in 2002 (Busan Asian Games) and in 2007 (Tokushima FIBA Asia championship), Miller made the most of the opportunity at home, winning MVP honors in those years.
Baguio has become a contender for the RP team after his dramatic rise in the last two PBA seasons. He won the Most Improved Player honors and joined the Mythical Second Team last campaign.