Seven-footer beefs up Australian side vs RP five

MANILA, Philippines - Team Australia firmed up its already formidable frontline rotation as it tapped a seven-foot behemoth against the Philippine team in the upcoming Goodwill Series firing off Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Australia club director Marco Selorio said the 26-year-old Patrick Pilae is raring to suit up and go head-to-head against the Philippines’ twin towers in Asi Taulava and Mick Pennisi in the two-game series.

Pilae traces his roots back to Samoa but currently resides in Western Sydney. He plays domestic basketball in the Filipino heartland of Blacktown in New South Wales.

He also plays Australian rugby league during the winter season. With his size and bulk, Pilae is expected to wreak havoc against the Nationals inside the paint as he joins a tall frontline crew that includes Bruce Bolden (6-9), Anthony Susnjara (6-9), Terry Amir (6-6) and Goran Veg (6-9).

“We are looking to take advantage of our size and strength. By adding Pilae to the team, we feel that we can really cause some serious match-up problems inside. Our team has only one goal – to win. We are the underdogs, and we know how formidable the RP side is,” said Selorio.

The Hoopdreamz Great White Sharks, backed by Motolite, Hoopdreamz, Accel, and Hypnotize Entertainment, hit town tomorrow morning and plunge into action at the JRU gym in the afternoon.

Others in the Aussie roster are 6-7 Brad Williamson, 6-6 Graeme Dann, 6-4 Eban Hyams, 6-5 Anto Lalic, 6-3 Michael Cedar, 6-7 Leslie Coe, 5-11 Sami Tsegay and 6-3 Mark De’Riviere.