Black says Douthit out of SEAG team

MANILA, Philippines - The Sinag Pilipinas cage team will proceed with its title defense of the Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball crown without naturalized center Marcus Douthit.

“He (Douthit) will not be with us,” said Sinag coach Norman Black, who has assembled a pool of collegiate stars supposed to be reinforced by 6-foot-11 Douthit, said to be plying his trade in the Chinese league.

“But we’ll be okay without him (Douthit). Our centers (Ian) Sangalang and (Greg) Slaughter will man the shaded lane for us,” he added.

Although previously practicing on staggered basis, Black’s 14-member Sinag pool has only started “full-time” training as a “complete” team this week after the end of long NCAA hostilities.

Garvo Lanete and Jake Pascual of champion San Beda and Sangalang and Ronald Pascual of runner-up San Sebastian rejoined the pool that includes Slaughter, Kiefer Ravena, and Finals MVP Nico Salva of UAAP titlist Ateneo, RR Garcia of Far Eastern, National U’s UAAP MVP Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and veteran Chris Tiu of Smart Gilas.

Sinag has had two tune-up games so far, including a 66-73 loss to the San Miguel Beer five that will compete in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).