Ranidel to play key role in Gilas

MANILA, Philippines - After being relegated to the reserve list in the last two FIBA Asia Championships, Ranidel de Ocampo finally gets the chance to see action for the national team in the 26th FIBA Asia Championship firing off tomorrow in Wuhan, China.

The 6-6 St. Francis of Assisi College product is tipped to play vital role at forward spot, being included in coach Rajko Toroman’s former core of Marcus Douthit, Japeth Aguilar, Mac Baracael, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz, Chris Tiu, Jayvee Casio and Mark Barroca.

Other PBA reinforcements Kelly Williams, Asi Taulava and Jimmy Alapag should have their spots, leaving Jason Ballesteros and Dylan Ababou as the likely reserves.

Toroman said they will decide on their final 12 before the team managers’ meeting today.

The Serbian mentor has been saying Douthit, Williams and De Ocampo will play key roles.

And whoever fills the roster, Toroman and his staff believe they will have a fighting team that can have a shot at the medal round of the biennial meet serving as the regional qualifier for the 2012 London Olympics.

Before leaving for Wuhan yesterday morning, Toroman maintained making it to the medal round is a realistic goal.

“The competition is strong and we’re not 100 percent ready but we can make the semis,” said Toroman.

 “We have injury problems and the PBA players are making adjustments. I think we’ll pick up our rhythm towards the second stage of the tournament,” Toroman added.

He is hopeful they would win at least two matches in the first round then another two in the second to safely make the knockout stage.

The Smart Gilas chief tactician said they would need to avoid being the No. 4 team from their bracket to dodge a quarterfinals match-up with Iran.

“Iran is by far the biggest favorite in the tournament. They’re likely to top their bracket and it’s difficult to play them (in the quarters),” said Toroman.

“I think they are coming with their strongest team ever with Arsalan Kazem, Samad Nikkhah Bahrami, Mehdi Kamrani, Hamed Afagh and Hamed Hadaddi. Haddadi is playing the best basketball of his life,” Toroman added.

He thought it’s easier to play the Chinese whom he believed is not in best shape.

Smart Gilas has China, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates as first-round assignments.

“We’ll go for at least two wins in the first round. But the important thing is the second round since it’s the positioning for the quarterfinals,” said Toroman.

Despite losing to Iran in the last FIBA Asia Championship, China remains the No. 1 in Asian ranking. UAE and Bahrain are both ranked behind the Philippines with the former placing 12th in the last tourney and the latter being idle from Asian events for over a decade now.