Prized Fil-Am cagebelle to boost RP bid

A Fil-American who wants to become a doctor will arrive from the US in June to beef up the Philippine women’s basketball team that will try to win the gold medal in the 23rd SEA Games this November.

Monica Abelardo, described as a bulky 6-foot-1 player, has agreed to be part of the team provided that local sports officials find her a school where she could continue her studies. She is taking up medicine.

A basketball official said another Fil-American is being lured to join the team that will try to improve the country’s bronze-medal finish during the 2003 Vietnam SEA Games. The Philippines also won the bronze in 2001 in Kuala Lumpur.

If she agrees, she will get an automatic slot in the team along with Abelardo. The rest of the team have been informed about the possibility and have taken everything well as long as it will help boost their chances in the SEA Games.

Like Abelardo, she is also based in San Francisco, California and has reportedly played in the US NCAA.

The Philippines has never won the women’s SEA Games gold in basketball. Its best finish was silver during the 1995 Chiang Mai Games.

"They (the locals) have been well informed about the entry of these Fil-Am players. Well, at least sigurado na yung isa and we’re still trying to convince the other. No problem daw sa kanila," said BAP vice president Filomeno "Boy" Codiñera.

The team is under a new coach in Raymond Celis who will be assisted by Bernie David and Shellalyn Cabagat. Bay Cristobal, the former coach, has stepped down earlier this year.

The 12 players who’ve been training for three months now are Estrellita Enriquez, Charmain Salalia, Shella Esteban, Matilde Carreon, Eli Lizondra, Marsha Faustino, Paula Lontok, April Mae Lualhati, Aurora Adriano, Katrina Nido, Divina Reyes and Diana Jose.