RP Selecta debuts minus three Fil-Ams

The Selecta Philippine Team takes its first test when they take on reigning All-Filipino champion San Miguel in the Samsung PBA Governors Cup at the Makati Coliseum today.

Gametime is at 6 p.m. with Asi Taulava, Eric Menk, Kenneth Duremdes and company to pit their skills and talent with imports Lamont Strothers and Keith Hill and their San Miguel teammates.

The Selecta RP Team will play minus Chris Clay, Jeffrey Flowers and Jimmy Alapag as the coaching staff and the PBA Commissioner’s Office reversed an earlier decision allowing the players to suit up in the tournament even minus the confirmation of their citizenship by the Department of Justice.

Coach Jong Uichico and commissioner Jun Bernardino had thought of allowing the players to play, but Alaska team owner Wilfred Uytengsu protested the move.

Bernardino met Clay, Flowers and Alapag Tuesday and ordered the three to pursue their citizenship papers while informing them of their suspension until they secure the DOJ papers.

The PBA commissioner set the end of the Governors Cup as the deadline for them to come up with their DOJ clearances to avoid being dropped from the national pool.

Of the three, Alapag seems to have the inside track on getting back to action the soonest with his papers now reportedly on the desk of Justice Secretary Hernando Perez.

Meanwhile, five days before they get into action in the 28th PBA season, Alvin Patrimonio signed a new contract with Purefoods, making him the latest to play a dual role of player and assistant coach in the league.

Purefoods team manager Rene Pardo said the four-time MVP inked a three-year pact Monday"which made Alvin happy and satisfied."

Patrimonio’s original intention was to become part of the Purefoods coaching staff starting next year. But Patrimonio and the team management later agreed that it’s better for the player to help out in coaching the Hotdogs with coach Eric Altamirano on loan to the national team.

Players remaining without a contract at present are brothers Andy and Danny Seigle. Represented by their father John, Andy and Danny both want a contract over a period of five to seven years with Purefoods and San Miguel.