Sinag five draws comebacking Thais

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Sinag Pilipinas has been bracketed with returning Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam in the group stages of the 26th Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball competitions following Wednesday’s official draw in Jakarta.

“We’ll be ready for the competition once we get there,” said Sinag coach Norman Black when asked for his thoughts on the draw.

“Right now, our focus is on our team (more than our opponents), on what we have to do offensively and defensively to be successful,” added the multi-titled mentor.

The eight participating nations have been divided into two groups with the heavily favored Filipinos leading Group A. Host Indonesia, the runner-up the last time basketball was held in 2007, tows Group B with Malaysia, Singapore and Myanmar. After round-robin play, the top two squads in each group will advance to the crossover semis.

Black said the team has watched games of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, their projected rivals for their 15th overall men’s hoops plum in 16 stagings, but not Thailand, which has been reinstated into FIBA only recently.

“Thailand has been (previously) suspended so we’re not sure yet what game they’ll bring. But we’ll do more scouting there. Hopefully, we don’t play Thailand in our first game,” Black said.

Sinag has made some personnel movement, replacing San Sebastian’s Ian Sangalang and Ronald Pascual for failure to attend practices.

NCAA Finals MVP Dave Marcelo has been promoted to the 14-man pool that will fly to Indonesia on Nov. 12. From this pool Black will choose the 12 who will actually suit up.

Marcelo joins Greg Slaughter, Cliff Hodge, Jake Pascual, Nico Salva, Chris Ellis, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Garvo Laneta, Chris Tiu, Kiefer Ravena, RR Garcia, Emman Monfort, Jeric Teng and Jeric Fortuna in the Sinag pool.