PBA, MBA selection to form Asiad cage team

A mixture of players from the Metropolitan Basketball Association and the Philippine Basketball Association is being considered for the 2002 Asian Games in Pusan, South Korea next year.

Basketball Association of the Philippines president Quinteliano "Tiny" Literal raised the possibility of sending cagers from both leagues to the Asiad during yesterday’s weekly SCOOP session at the Kamayan Restaurant in West Ave.

The title conquest of an MBA selection in the recently-concluded 21st Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur has prompted Literal to consider the nucleaus of the same squad for the Pusan Games.

"We promised to have the nucleus of the team go there after winning the SEAG. Kailangan dito ay malalaki at magagaling," said Literal.

The formation of a combined force of the PBA and MBA cagers will be discussed further when Literal’s camp seeks a basketball summit next month with officials of the PBA, the MBA and the Philippine Basketball League.

Literal said he is aware that this decision could be opposed by the PBA, which is committed to compete in the Asian Games as it did in three stagings of the quadrennial meet. Four years ago, a Centennial squad placed third in the 1998 Asian Games under coach Tim Cone.

"Kailangan naman nating ito para mas malakas ngayon," said Literal.

For the moment, Literal’s camp is appealing to Philippine Olympic Committee president Celso Dayrit to give the BAP the recognition that it said it deserves.

Dayrit still refuses to recognize Literal’s leadership and remained firm in its decision to support ousted BAP leader Gonzalo "Lito" Puyat. — With report from Joey Villar