Jalasco okays RP team stint in Lina tilt

Freddie Jalasco, Jr., president of the Basketball Association of the Phils., yesterday gave his permission for the Philippine National team to participate in the Bert Lina-Jam Mercado Battle of Champions which fires off tomorrow at the RECS-Sta. Cruz, Laguna complex gym.

"Aside from the fact taht the event would further enhance the preparation of the RP team for its mission in the South East Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) Championship for Men, the event was also arranged for by FedEx owner Bert Lina, who is a friend and patron of RP basketball, kaya OK lang,’ said Jalasco.

The SEABA tilt is slated April 2-9 at the Philsports Arena.

Jalasco made the announcement after coach David Zamar asked him for permission to play in the Lina-Mercado event, which incidentally is organized by the BAP group of Tiny Literal.

Meanwhile, the members of the Joong Ang University team from Korea arrived yesterday for the event without legendary cage great Shin Dong Pa, who is expected to plane in Wednesday.

The Koreans, the four-time champions of the University Games in Seoul, will be clashing with four other champion teams in the five-day tournament organized by the BAP.

Other teams seeing action are the Laguna Lakers, the Cebu-Lhuillier team and Wang’s Ballclub-Mandaluyong.