Powerade RP cagers willing to play anew

BEIJING – Powerade Team Pilipinas broke camp two days after the 25th FIBA-Asia Championship, disappointed it failed in its mission but expressed willingness to do it all over again when called to serve flag and country.

Members of Powerade RP are willing to don the RP colors once again after their ill-fated campaign in Taijin where they finished eighth.

Asi Taulava and Mick Pennisi said they would not turn their back on the country despite their third fruitless try in international fronts.

“Certainly,” said Taulava.

“If still needed, anytime,” said Pennisi.

Both also played for the RP teams to the 2002 Busan Asian Games and the 2007 Tokushima FIBA-Asia Championship.

The other Tianjin joust veterans also answered in the affirmative when asked if they’re ready to serve the country once again.

“In a heartbeat,” said Jared Dillinger.

Coca-Cola top official JB Baylon has made a commitment for their company to support similar undertaking by the PBA in the future.

PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios, meanwhile, reiterated he’s keeping an open mind on the proposal of coach Yeng Guiao for the league to have a continuing program on international play.

Baylon left for a meeting in Hong Kong Monday while Barrios departed for another destination with his wife for a brief tour. The rest of the delegation were to fly home yesterday noon.

The team had little achievement in its Tianjin engagement, improving just a notch the country’s ninth-place finish in the 2007 Tokushima Asian meet.

Members of the team are now looking forward for a welcome rest.Some of them are regrouping in the next few days to prepare for an exhibition team with an American selection headed by NBA legends Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Dominique Wilkins, Tim Hardaway and Robert Horry.

Guiao and his staff here are also to handle the team in the special event set Sept. 11.

Among those playing for the home team are Japeth Aguilar, Wynne Arboleda, Dondon Hontiveros, JayR Reyes, Allan Caidic, Alvin Patrimonio, Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc and Kenneth Duremdes.