BAP defends national five

The progress of the RP Cebuana Lhuillier team is going according to schedule, notwithstanding its second-place finish in the NBC pre-season tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum last week.

This was the statement of Basketball Association of the Philippines secretary-general Graham Lim in reaction to severe criticism of the squad, particularly from many high sports officials.

"We respect all those who commented, both as persons and professionals, and they are entitled to their opinions however hurtful the criticism is to the players and coaching staff. The team has undergone several changes in the last month, and yet performed well, " Lim said.

Lim said head coach Boyzie Zamar only took over the team less than a month ago. At that time, RP Cebuana lost its starting center, Ricky Calimag, to the Sta.Lucia Realtors, and its starting point guard Egay Echavez, to Barangay Ginebra of the PBA. Point guard Dennis Madrid sprained his ankle in their opening game last week, and missed the rest of the tournament, while their other top guard BJ Manalo is still on his honeymoon. Manalo was married last April 4.

"In the elimination games, the team blew out all its opponents," Lim said. "The championship was a major adjustment for a team that has lost all its leading players. Despite that, they still did their best."

In January, the RP Cebuana Lhuillier team finished third in the Sinulog Cup, the only team without imports to place. Since then, the team has managed to play well in the face of major personnel changes, as it prepares for the SEABA Championship in Singapore in June.

"We welcome any constructive input from anyone in the basketball and sports community," Lim said, adding that other players have been invited to try out for the team. "The boys have worked very hard, and are getting better by the day. They will be ready for the SEABA."