Smart Gilas quintet aims high in Dubai

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas Pilipinas left yesterday for Bahrain, ready to go for no less than the championship in the import-laden Dubai Invitationals slated Jan. 20-29.

The Rajko Toroman-mentored Phl team finished third in last year’s staging of the event with the Serbian coach expressing confidence of their title chances with naturalization candidate Marcus Douthit back in the fold.

“The target is to make the finals this year,” said Toroman.

He added he hopes to improve on their third place finish last year when they fielded in former naturalization candidate Jamal Sampson against teams that were allowed to sign up three imports.

Smart Gilas, headed by team captain Chris Tiu and co-skipper Mark Barroca, is set to play a couple of tune-up matches against the host’s national team in Bahrain before going to Dubai for the 10-day meet.

Others on the team are JV Casio, Marcio Lassiter, Mac Baracael, Dylan Ababou, Jason Ballesteros and Aldrech Ramos.

Japeth Aguilar is out with a knee injury while seven-footer Greg Slaughter will not be joining the Dubai trip due to his studies.

Toroman stressed that they need results “because we have eight months left to prepare for the FIBA-Asia Championship, which stakes a spot in the 2012 London Olympics.”

Toroman, however, remains wary of the 6-10 Douthit’s form as he only rejoined the team a couple of weeks ago after going on a two-month vacation in the US.

“I hope he gets his rhythm back after the two tuneup games,’’ said Toroman.

Asi Taulava will again be there to reinforce the squad.