Solomon gets third PBA spot in RP five

MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine guard Solomon Mercado took the slot left by James Yap in the Smart Gilas RP team bound for the Asian Games with Asian Coating officials, saying his inclusion is an honor to the team.

Mercado, the 5-foot-11 guard who made a big impact in his first two seasons in the pros, was coach Rajko Toroman’s choice for the third and last slot for PBA players after Asi Taulava and Kelly Williams. Yap, one of the original picks, has begged off due to personal reasons.

“It’s an honor for us to lend Sol Mercado. Hopefully, we can help the national team accomplish its mission,” said Asian Coating owners Raymund Yu and Terry Que.

“For as long as it’s for flag and country, we are ready to sacrifice,” they added.

The stint of the three players to the RP team was approved by the PBA board of governors in its just concluded planning session in Bangkok, Thailand.

“We’re glad to be of help to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. We will pray for their success,” said PBA board chair Rene Pardo moments after Rain or Shine approved Mercado’s entry to the national team even if this would greatly affect its campaign in the coming Philippine Cup.

Mercado emerged as Rain or Shine’s top gun last season as he put in 16.7 points, 4.6 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals an outing.

“We are happy for Sol despite knowing how important he is for our campaign this coming season. It’s everyone’s dream to play for the national team and we hope we can help the national team,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.

“We are happy that his skills and possible contribution have been acknowledged. He is a strong player with the heart of a winner and given the chance, he will do the country proud,” said Rain or Shine board representative Mamerto Mondragon.

Mercado, a Fil-foreign player who played with Biola University in the United States, is reinforcing the Smart Gilas backcourt weakened by an injury to Marcio Lassiter.

To meet the deadline set by the Philippine Olympic Committee, SBP submitted the names of Taulava, Williams, Lassiter, Chris Tiu, Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, JV Casio, Dylan Ababou, Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, Jason Ballesteros and Aldrech Ramos to its 12-man roster.

Toroman, however, said necessary changes would be made before the Asiad set Nov. 12-27.

The RP team is making a comeback in the Asiad wars after missing the 2006 Doha, Qatar Games due to suspension in the Fiba rolls.

The 2002 all-pro team, handled by coach Jong Uichico, narrowly missed the gold-medal game in the Busan Asiad on a sorry endgame loss to the host team.

The 1990 PBA selection by coach Robert Jaworski won the silver medal in Beijing before the 1994 team of coach Norman Black skidded to fourth in Hiroshima then the 1998 RP Centennial team of coach Tim Cone pocketed the bronze in Bangkok.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud and the league board chair are set to meet with the SBP leadership to discuss, among others, the exact tenure of the three PBA players to the Smart Gilas team.

The training and actual participation of Smart Gilas team in the coming Asiad run smack to the schedule of the PBA all-Filipino tourney.