RP cagers draw tough YOG group

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines’ three-on-three basketball team will have its hands full when it competes in the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore as it landed in the tough Group D that includes Croatia and Spain.

Noli Eala, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director, yesterday said the Filipinos are bracketed in Group D that also includes South Africa and US Virgin Islands.

“The draw resulted in a very tough group for our young team,” said Eala. “But it’s still a big honor for Philippines and SBP to be in the company of the superpowers of basketball.”

Eala said the team has yet to finalize its lineup for the games slated Aug. 14-26 but it has already submitted an eight-player list, which includes Ray Ray Parks, Keifer Ravena, Jeron Teng, Michael Tolomia, Gello Alolino and Kevin Ferrer.

Former La Salle standout Mon Jose will coach the squad.

RP kicks off its campaign against US Virgin Islands on Aug. 16, then will take on Spain on Aug. 17, Croatia on Aug. 18 and South Africa on Aug. 19.

The quarterfinals, semifinals and finals are scheduled Aug. 21, 22 and 23, respectively.

Group A is comprised of Greece, India, New Zealand, Puerto Rico and Serbia, while Argentina and Iran head Group B that includes, Egypt, Lithuania and Panama.

Group C is composed of Israel, Singapore, Turkey, the United States and a representative from Central Africa.