RP draws China in Fiba-Asia Youth

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Under-18 team recently drew powerhouse China, Syria and Saudi Arabia in Group C in the coming 21st FIBA-Asia Youth Championship slated Sept. 22-Oct. 1 in Sana’a, Yemen.

The Nationals, who qualified for the Yemen joust after topping the Southeast Asian Basketball Association championship in Myanmar last July, are still awaiting official information from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

“We haven’t received official word yet from the SBP as of now but we’re now preparing hard for the tournament,” said RP Youth coach Eric Altamirano.

“But if it’s really official, China would be tough being an eight-time champion while we’re still scouting Syria and Saudi Arabia,” he added.

Scheduling problems, however, continue to hound the squad as Altamirano voiced concerns over the availability of their key players for the Yemen tourney.

“I hope everyone could play but we have a pool of 15 players to replace some players who may not be available,” said Altamirano, who could be referring to Ateneo’s Kiefer Ravena and Von Pessumal.

Fil-Am Bobby Ray Park Jr. though has confirmed participation after leading RP’s three-on-three team to a ninth place finish in last month’s Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

Jeron Teng, Cris Michael Tolomia and Michael Pate are also part of that team seeing action for the Nationals.

Altamirano admitted it would be hard topping the tournament although he is optimistic the Filipinos could surpass their seventh place finish two years back.

The top three teams in the Yemen meet will clinch berths as Asia’s representative to the FIBA Under-19 Championship in Latvia next year.