PBL offers to form, train SEAG team

PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad yesterday offered to handle the preparation of the national team bound to compete in the Southeast Asian Games next year.

Trinidad’s offer came about in the midst of the consensus of the country’s basketball officials, led by basketball guru and CUBCC chairman Joe Lipa, on the need for a real program to boost the country’s chances in international competitions.

Lipa, commenting on the RP team’s stint in the Busan Asian Games, told sportswriters in the weekly PSA forum sponsored by Red Bull, AgfaColor and McDonald’s that the country needs is a long-term program to fully prepare for prestigious international meets.

Other guests — CUBCC commissioner Ramon Fernandez, BAP vice-president Christian Tan as well as Welcoat coach Leo Austria, Kutitap mentor Junel Baculi, LBC-Batangas coach Nash Racela – all agreed to Lipa’s sentiments in the forum at the Holiday Inn Manila Pavillion.

"Pag pinag-usapan ang service to the national flag, hindi na dapat nagdadalawang salita dyan. Even at this early, I will be committing the resources and talents of the PBL in preparing a team for the SEA Games," said Trinidad.

"We have proven that we are always ready to serve the country if duty calls. Last year, when we were asked to create a standby team for the ABC Champions’ Cup in the midst of the basketball crisis, we readily formed a team in less than 24 hours with Baculi and Austria leading the coaching staff," he related.

BAP vice-president Christian Tan thanked Trinidad for the offer as he said he’ll be sorting out things at the BAP first and see how the outpour of support will fit into the formation and preparation of the SEA Games national squad.