Asi, Dondon to boost Gilas 5 Fiba-Asia stint

MANILA, Philippines - Asi Taulava and Dondon Hontiveros will suit up for Smart Gilas Pilipinas, boosting the national team title drive in the Fiba-Asia Champions Cup from May 28 to June 5 at the PhilSports Arena.

Taulava and Hontiveros’ inclusion to the squad was confirmed by Fiba-Asia Champions Cup local organizing committee head Aboy Castro during the PSA Forum at the Shakey’s UN Ave. yesterday.

Castro also said Japan, which was drawn in the same bracket as Smart Gilas, has pulled out of the weeklong tournament, prompting them to invite South Korea.

The Koreans have until Friday to confirm its participation, according to Castro.

Kazakhstan, which begged off due to financial reasons, will be replaced by India also in Bracket A where Gilas belongs.

The tournament was supposed to have 10 teams, but could end up with just nine as Korea’s status is still uncertain.

“We have a format ready whatever happens,” said Castro.

The national team is using the tournament to toughen up for the Fiba-Asia Championship, a qualifier for the London Olympics, in Wuhan, China in September.

Teammates in the all-pro national team to the 2002 Asian Games in Busan and the 2007 FIBA Asia Championship in Tokushima, Taulava of the Meralco Bolts in the PBA and Hontiveros of Air21 join a crew led by former collegiate stars Chris Tiu and JVee Casio and naturalized player Marcus Douthit.