MANILA, Philippines - The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas yesterday met the deadline set by the Philippine Olympic Committee for the submission of its 12-man roster for this year’s Asian Games with top guards Chris Tiu and Mark Barroca heading the list that includes pros Asi Taulava and Kelly Williams.
The SBP also included in the lineup Mac Baracael, JV Casio, Dylan Ababou, Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, Jason Ballesteros, Marcio Lassiter and Aldrech Ramos.
Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman, however, hinted there would be minor changes in the roster, especially if some players sustain injury, before the Asiad slated in November in Guangzhou, China.
“We can actually do it before the manager’s meeting, we have the right to replace a player if he’s injured,” said Toroman.
“With the Asian Games still months away, anything can happen so we have to be ready with all the possibilities,” he said.
“Submission to POC is a matter of compliance and formality. Lineup still subject to change,” SBP executive director Noli Eala said.
The cage body also said that there is the possibility of adding naturalization candidate Marcus Douthit as a late entry to the team.
The 6-10 Douthit’s naturalization papers are currently being processed in Congress with SBP officials hopeful the American would be granted Filipino citizenship in time for the quadrennial event.
Butch Antonio, deputy Smart Gilas project director, said Douthit may apply for a separate accreditation, which will eventually be coursed through the POC working committee headed by Joey Romasanta.
The SBP is also thinking of replacing Lassiter, a 6-foot Fil-Am guard currently in the US rehabilitating an injured hip he sustained in the Stankovic Cup in Beirut, Lebanon recently.
Toroman said he will discuss Lassiter’s fate with SBP officials with top PBA pro like San Miguel’s Dondon Hontiveros, Sol Mercado or Gabe Norwood from Rain or Shine and Ren Ren Ritualo from Powerade, as possible replacement.
Derby Ace’s James Yap, one of the three PBA players the SBP tapped to reinforce the team, has already begged off due to personal reasons.
The PBA board has unanimously approved in its recent meeting in Thailand the stint of Taulava, Williams and a third player for the Asiad-bound squad.
Meanwhile, Chris Lutz’ RP passport is also being processed with the Fil-Am a candidate for team later.