Chot on James: Nothing personal

During the first training session of the RP team, coach Chot Reyes had to deal with one pesky query – "Did James Yap fail to make the team because of his personal problem?"

He refused to be drawn to the show biz side of the issue, saying the reigning PBA MVP wasn’t selected for the team "purely on basketball decision."

"James’ slot went to Dondon Hontiveros, Renren Ritualo and Mark Caguioa. We felt we can’t take out our best wing defender in Dondon and we can’t leave our best shooter in Renren. What swung to Caguioa’s favor is that he can slide to two-guard when the need arises," Reyes explained.

Reyes said Yap and another former PBA MVP awardee Willie Miller were the only two other players considered for the position.

"Good thing James is only 25 and he can get a crack (at the RP team) the next time. But for now, given the time at our disposal, we made that decision," said Reyes.

At the moment, the RP team is down to 11 players with the withdrawal of Ginebra’s Rudy Hatfield due to his forthcoming wedding.

But Reyes has two reserves in Rico Villanueva and Romel Adducul, who reported in the team’s first practice session yesterday. Third reserve Rafi Reavis is also practically out as he’s set to undergo a shoulder surgery.

Villanueva is tipped to replace Hatfield, where he is expected to join Hontiveros, Ritualo, Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Jimmy Alapag, Tony dela Cruz, Mick Pennisi, Asi Taulava, Ranidel de Ocampo, Kerby Raymundo and Danny Seigle in the national squad. – Nelson Beltran