RP could’ve made ABC finals — Chot

If not for the FIBA suspension, the Philippines could have made it to the Fiba-Asia championship finals and booked a slot in the world championship slated in Saitama, Japan next year.

That’s coach Chot Reyes’ observation on his scouting trip to the just-concluded Asian joust in Doha, Qatar where China retained its crown with Lebanon, Qatar and South Korea placing second, third and fourth, respectively.

"I talked to Qatar coach Joseph Steibing. We beat them in the Jones Cup. He’s convinced we could have made the finals if our team were there," said Reyes, who returned from Doha Saturday.

Reyes, however, admitted China is tough to beat. The Chinese swept eight games on the way to retaining their Asian crown.

"China is so tough because of Yao Ming. The key to beat them is to play them a lot of time," said Reyes. "Korea beat them recently (in Busan Asian Games) because Korea is playing China a lot."

Accompanied by deputy Aboy Castro who was armed with a video cam, Reyes scouted the opposition in the Asian championship despite the suspension of the Philippines by the FIBA.

"Hindi namin iniisip ang suspension. That’s a reality we have to accept. But we’re continuing our program because our real target is the 2007 qualifier for the 2008 Olympics," said Reyes.

"It’s not preparation for a coming tourney but a part of our three-year program," Reyes added.

Evaluating the progress of his team after seeing their rivals in action in Doha, Reyes said: "Our program is on the right track. What we’re missing is constant exposure against top-level teams."