SBP to help Laos host SEAG

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is extending the necessary assistance to Laos so it could include basketball in its hosting of the Southeast Asian Games in Vientiane next year.

SBP executive director Noli Eala said they’re willing to donate a wooden floor to Laos or host the event right here in Manila with the local federation to take care of the FIBA-Asia officials and the competing teams.

“Of course, we’re for the inclusion of basketball. It’s a sure gold medal for us and it’s an opportunity for us to help the RP delegation,” said Eala.

Eala has a chance to lead the petition or the lobbying as he’s been invited by Philippine Olympic Committee official Go Teng Kok to join the RP group in the SEA Games Federation meeting on Nov. 8.

Basketball is among sports not included in the initial list of events to be played in Vientiane. So far, only 22 sports have been calendared.

“Mr. Go Teng Kok informed us there are two proposals for basketball to be included in the Games. One is a donation of a wooden floor to Laos. Second, for basketball to be played in Thailand near the Laos border. We’ll make our own proposal, through the POC, for us to host the event in the Philippines,” said Eala.

Eala is open to suggestion of donating a wooden floor to Laos.

“My idea, however, is for the Philippine Sports Commission to donate its (Philsports Arena) court then we’ll replace it. With that, tayo ang magkakaroon ng mas bagong court,” Eala said. “It can be done. We’ll just look for friends to ship the floor.”

SBP is currently in search of a foreign coach who’ll handle a long-term national team program patterned after the NCC concept in the 80s. The initial tourneys for this team include the SEABA and the Southeast Asian Games next year.

The PBA is to form a separate national team tasked to represent the country in the FIBA-Asia men championship also next year. PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios is to name the coach of the pro selection upon his return from vacation in the US late this month.

The two teams will run parallel with each other, with the PBA selection looking to qualify for the World Championship in Turkey 2010 and the other team aiming to make the Olympics in 2012 in London.

“The SEABA and the SEA Games are part of our long-term program,” said Eala.

The Philippines is the reigning champion in both tourneys. The SMC-RP team of coach Chot Reyes reigned supreme in Ratchaburi, Thailand. The Harbour Centre-RP squad of coach Junel Baculi topped the SEA Games competition in Nakhon Ratchasima also in Thailand in 2006.