Nat'l team pool teems with talent - Uichico

A coach who’d seen two Asian competitions up close is convinced Yeng Guiao has all the bases covered in his proposed training pool.

Jong Uichico, head coach of the RP team to the Busan Asian Games and deputy to Chot Reyes in the Tokushima Fiba Asia championship, said he doesn’t think Guiao can come up with a better roster with his 14-man lineup.

Uichico gave his full approval to the list composed of Asi Taulava, Mick Pennisi, Sonny Thoss, Ranidel de Ocampo, Kerby Raymundo, Kelly Williams, Arwind Santos, James Yap, Willie Miller, Cyrus Baguio, Ryan Reyes, Jayjay Helterbrand, Gabe Norwood and Jared Dillinger.

“The core group of the Tokushima team is kept. The new faces give us added offensive clout and defensive presence,” said Uichico.

“We have practically the same frontline as in Tokushima. We lack the ceiling and we have to make do with what we have. I would say we’ve got improvement in our backcourt. We have a big point guard who can match up with the big guards of the Middle East teams and we have a small guard who can play and not necessarily sacrifice the scoring,” Uichico said.

The Ginebra coach, who was also a national player, had good assessment too on Guiao’s wing players.

“Kelly Williams and Arwind Santos are both tall and quick for the small forward spot. Willie Miller can drive and shoot from the outside, Cyrus Baguio is a good open-court player and James Yap can shoot and initiate his own moves,” said Uichico.

Guiao left his wish list to PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios as he departed for the United States yesterday to attend to a personal matter.

The list will be officially announced upon Guiao’s return next week.

Meanwhile, the PBA board has appointed Red Bull representative Tony Chua as team manager of the RP squad vying for a world championship slot in the Fiba Asia championship next year.

As manager, Chua will be in charge of logistics and in sourcing out sponsors for the team.

“It’s a big honor and privilege for me to be part of this endeavor,” said Chua of his appointment.

Sponsors being eyed for the team are Coca-Cola and Smart-PLDT.