SEAG-bound cagers play MBA selection

The Philippine team, composed of the MBA’s best players, gets much needed practice before it departs for the Southeast Asian Games when it tackles the MBA selection tomorrow at the Tinga Gym in Taguig.

Dubbed the MBA’s best against the rest, the exhibition game is set at 5 p.m. It takes the place of the regular doubleheader, which has been moved to Nov. 14 to give way to the SEA Games campaign of the Philippines.

Skippered by Romel Adducul of LBC Batangas, the Philippine team also includes Batangas’ Peter Martin and Eddie Laure, Andok’s San Juan’s Chris Calaguio, Omanzie Rodriguez and Chito Victolero, Negros’ John Ferriols, Ruben dela Rosa and Jomar Tierra, Socsargen’s Egay Echavez, FedEx Laguna’s Junel Mendiola and Vince Hizon.

Originally alternates to the RP team which swept the Southeast Asia Basketball Association men’s championship early this year, Tierra and Hizon replaced Cebuana Lhuillier’s Stephen Padilla and Homer Se, who were unavailable due to conflict in schedule.

Andok’s San Juan coach Philip Cezar has been tasked to coach the MBA selection, which includes San Juan’s Rafi Reavis and Danny Capobres, LBC Batangas’ Tonyboy Espinosa, Chucho Serrano and Alex Compton, Negros’ Cid White and Reynel Hugnatan.

Nueva Ecija’s Francis Aquino, Socsargen’s Bong Alvarez, Cebuana Lhuillier’s Joey Santamaria and FedEx Laguna’s Chris Clay and Jeffrey Flowers.

The MBA selection, with Multi-Reginal Board Inc. president and LBC Batangas owner Santi Araneta as manager, will hold its first practice session at 7 p.m. today at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

MBA director for business development Ramon Tuason said the game to be telecast live over National Broadcasting Network (PTV 4) would use amateur rules.

Acting MBA commissioner Butch Antonio also announced that the tournament is taking a break for the duration of the SEA Games.