Caguioa a shoo-in?

If Shell coach Perry Ronquillo has his way, Barangay Ginebra rookie Mark Caguioa will be on the national basketball team playing at the Asian Games in Pusan, Korea, on Sept. 28-Oct. 14 next year.

Ronquillo, rumored to be one of three candidates as national coach — the others are Ron Jacobs and Joseph Uichico, told The STAR the other day Caguioa will be one of five shoo-ins in his list. His other shoo-ins are Danny Seigle, Danny Ildefonso, Olsen Racela and Eric Menk.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is expected to announce its choice for national coach in a press conference next week. The coach will then choose one of two assistants. The BAP will select the other assistant who is expected to be David Zamar.

Ronquillo said the national squad should be a mix of quickness and size. "I expect the team to be a bit smaller in terms of centers than previous teams," said Ronquillo who was in Norman Black’s staff at the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games. "But the swingmen will be bigger — guys who can play the post. We’ll need to spread our offense against China and use our quickness and size against Korea."

Ronquillo described Caguioa as the PBA’s most exciting player since Samboy Lim. "He can really electrify the crowd," said Ronquillo. "He may be a bit immature — that’s okay, he should be taken for what he is. But he’s got heart. In the national team, Mark might be a better fit as a point guard because we can’t afford to be too short against China and Korea."

Among the candidates in Ronquillo’s list are Asi Taulava, Chris Jackson, Marlou Aquino, Kenneth Duremdes, Dennis Espino, Noy Castillo, Ali Peek, Nic Belasco, DaVonn Harp, Dondon Hontiveros, Jun Limpot, Vergel Meneses, Jay-Jay Helterbrand, Rudy Hatfield, and Jeffrey Cariaso.

Ronquillo singled out Espino for his tough play in past international competitions, Hontiveros for his shooting skills, and Jackson for his defense.

Ronquillo’s Shell contract expires at the end of this year. He said there are still no commitments as to which team he’ll coach next season. Although Shell management has indicated it hopes to retain his services, Ronquillo implied that he’s keeping his options open for the moment.