Reyes, staff discuss RP team lineup

Coaches Chot Reyes and Jong Uichico will temporarily set aside their fight for the Talk n Text PBA Philippine Cup championship as they meet tomorrow to discuss the composition of the national team.

Joining Reyes and Uichico in the meeting are assistant coaches Norman Black, Binky Favis and Aboy Castro.

Reyes and his staff have to decide on the RP team lineup before Saturday when the composition of the team is announced in a press conference.

Reyes said he has yet to actually give the matter a deep thought since he’s locked in a heated battle with Uichico for the coveted PBA All-Filipino crown.

"Imagine how difficult it’s on my end trying to win a PBA finals and, at the same time, facing the pressure of naming the players to national team by Friday," said Reyes.

Sources said the national coach has been thinking of relinquishing his San Miguel job to an assistant.

The PBA, the BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Reyes himself want the national team formed immediately with the proximity of the Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) championship and the FIBA-Asia Olympic qualifier.

The goal is for the Philippines to make a return stint in the Olympics in Beijing next year. The RP 5 last played in the quadrennial games in 1972.

Reyes and the PBA board have actually drawn up their battle plan in a meeting Monday. Before the meeting with the PBA board, Reyes attended a conference with the BAP-SBP selection committee chaired by Chino Trinidad.

Though still awaiting formal reinstatement on the FIBA rolls, the PBA and BAP-SBP leadership is now busy mapping up plans for the national team.

Top picks are Asi Taulava, Jimmy Alapag and Renren Ritualo of T n T, Jayjay Helterbrand and Rudy Hatfield of Ginebra, Danny Seigle and Dondon Hontiveros of SMB and Tony dela Cruz of Alaska.

Under consideration are Romel Adducul and Dorian Peña of SMB, Eric Menk, Mark Caguioa and Rafi Reavis of Ginebra, Yancy de Ocampo of T n T, Kerby Raymundo and James Yap of Purefoods, Ranidel de Ocampo of Air21, Willie Miller of Alaska, Enrico Villanueva of Red Bull and Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia Realty.