Cage pool dirty dozen bared

MANILA, Philippines - Twelve PBA players have committed themselves to join Smart Gilas Pilipinas II, leaving four from the SMC group as those who’ve yet to decide for inclusion in the team.

Talk n Text’s Jimmy Alapag, Jason Castro, Ryan Reyes, Ranidel de Ocampo and Kelly Williams, Powerade’s Gary David, Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood, Ginebra’s Enrico Villanueva, and Alaska’s LA Tenorio and Sonny Thoss have signed a commitment letter.

Powerade’s Marcio Lassiter, meanwhile, made a verbal commitment before leaving for the United States for a short vacation.

“Team manager Butch Antonio has communicated with Alex Cabagnot and Arwind Santos, and they’ve referred the matter to their management while B-Meg has asked the letter be coursed through the PBA since they’re still playing in the quarters,” Smart Gilas coach Chot Reyes told The STAR.

The letter confirms the players’ willingness to be included in the national pool to be trained for two years in preparation for the 2013 Asian qualifier for the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

“I understand and accept the responsibilities of being a national pool member, which include, but are not limited to, attending all team functions, games, and practice/training sessions as long as they are not in conflict with my PBA team’s official schedules,” the letter stated.

“As a national pool player, I further commit to devote my full time and effort to Smart Gilas in the off-season, even if it means sacrificing my rest and vacation periods, from now until the FIBA Asia Championship in 2013 and even possibly the FIBA World Championship in 2013,” the letter also stated.

Antonio gathered the signatures of those who’ve signed up. Their target date for completion of signed letters is April 11.

“As for James Yap and Marc Pingris, since they’re still in the thick of the fight in the (PBA Commissioner’s Cup) quarterfinals, we don’t want to bother them as much as possible,” said Reyes.

At the moment, Reyes has got 12 PBA players plus naturalized player Marcus Douthit.

He’s also forming a cadet pool from the amateur ranks soon.

Meanwhile, PBA commissioner Chito Salud expressed confidence all the players being eyed for the team will heed the call of duty.

“The opportunity to play for one’s country is as rare honor. I know our players will respond positively if they believe they can be of added value to the team. We all have a role to play to be able to contribute to its success,” said Salud.