Lassiter, David join key Texters in Gilas II

MANILA, Philippines - Coach Chot Reyes will have his crack players at Talk n Text and Powerade’s 1-2 punch of Gary David and Marcio Lassiter to banner Smart Gilas II set to compete in the Fiba Asia Championship next year.

Marcus Douthit, Kelly Williams, David, Lassiter and Jimmy Alapag are likely to compose the first five with Sonny Thoss, Ranidel de Ocampo, Jason Castro, Ryan Reyes and Larry Fonacier among the possible reserves.

Reyes will present his wish list of 16 pro players for the national pool to the PBA board for its approval Tuesday.

“It’s easy to guess the names of the players but I have to present it to the PBA board first,” Reyes told The STAR.

“Medyo masikip lang sa wing spots (It’s tight on the wing spots),” Reyes added.

Reyes has long made known that he’s interested on David and Lassiter, a pair of shooting forwards who can really put in the points for the Phl team.

Powerade guard Jvee Casio may also make the pool as Reyes said he’s also looking at some Smart Gilas originals.

It’s highly unlikely, however, that Jason Ballesteros, Mac Baracael, Mark Barroca and Dylan Ababou would get a call.

Chris Lutz may also be doubtful due to his recurring injury.

Reyes is hoping all PBA teams cooperate and let their players be available for the national pool.

Reyes also intends to form a cadet pool, composed of players from the amateur ranks.

In the same Tuesday meeting with the PBA board, Reyes will also lay down the Nationals’ calendar of activities this year.

The Jones Cup and the Stankovic Cup are two international tourneys the Phl team will join in 2012.

The Stankovic Cup, set in Tokyo in September, serves as a qualifier for the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship. The Nationals need not go through the SEABA championship if they make the grade in the Stankovic tourney.

The Nationals will target to make the top three in the 2013 Asia meet to qualify for the 2014 FIBA World Cup (formerly World Championship).

In the last Fiba Asia, Smart Gilas narrowly missed the top three, beaten by South Korea in the fight for second runner-up honors.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan promised they will do everything to improve on their fourth-place finish the last time.