Aspirants proud, thrilled to be in the mix

Amateur players seeking berths in the national team to the SEABA Club Champions Cup in Jakarta next month got the thrill of their lives by just taking part in the tryout conducted by the Philippine Basketball League at the RFM gym yesterday.

"It’s flattering," said guard Marvin Cruz. "I’ve never been part of any national team in the past, so being considered to the RP team for the SEABA meet is something I have to be proud of."

"I hope I could make it to the RP team. My family will be happy if I would be selected," added the 5-foot-8 Toyota Balintawak stalwart.

Patrick Cabahug, another rising star from Toyota Balintawak, and Silver Cup MVP winner Jason Castro of Harbour Centre echoed Cruz’s sentiment.

Castro said playing for the country once again is a big challenge.

"It’s going to be tough because of the high expectations of the fans, but if I will be selected again, I’ll do everything because that is a commitment," said Castro, a member of the RP Youth team two years ago.

To be part of the national team has been Cabahug’s aspiration since his high school days in Cebu.

"That’s one of my dreams since playing competitive basketball," said the wiry Cabahug, who blossomed as one of the league’s deadliest 3-point artists.

Only 15 of the 24 players invited by the league showed up at the RFM gym but coach Junel Baculi expects others to attend today’s session.

Among those who attended the first of a three-day tryout are Harbour Centre’s JC Intal, Jonathan Fernandez, Ryan Araña, Jojo Duncil and Chico Lanete, Toyota Balintawak’s Erick Rodriguez, Magnolia’s Jeff Chan and Al Magpayo, Hapee’s Larry Rodriguez and Reed Juntilla.

Eman Samigue, the 6-foot-9 center of Henkel-Sista, showed up but did not practice because of a strained right calf muscle.

Baculi said he’s quite impressed with the performance of his wingmen but he has to consult his fellow coaches – Jorge Gallent, Louie Alas, Caloy Garcia and Koy Banal – before announcing the final composition of the team.

The PBL selection will be the first national team to see action in an international tournament after the lifting of the FIBA suspension last month.

Harbour Center, a proud winner of two straight championships in the league, is bankrolling the training and participation of the team to Jakarta. The meet is slated on April 9-13.