Black: SEA Games gold main goal

MANILA, Philippines — Coach Norman Black vowed to assemble the “strongest and most balanced” Philippine squad as he braces for rivals beefed up by imports in the coming Southeast Asian Games.

“The goal will definitely be to win the gold medal and we’ll do our best to try to get the best players and give us the best chance to win,” Black said during yesterday’s PSA Forum where he was joined by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy.

So far, Black said Justin Brownlee, Ange Kouame, Ray Parks, Matthew Wright, Remy Martin, Dave Ildefonso, Jason Brickman and Veejay Pre have committed to the SEAG campaign.

The veteran mentor, who previously steered the Philippines to SEAG glory in 2011, is looking at securing the services of big men from the collegiate leagues and possibly the pros to complete his crew to Thailand.

Black is also preparing to fend off a potential ambush from the challengers, recalling how previous host Cambodia fielded five American-born naturalized players and placed second to Gilas two years ago.

“We’re thinking that might happen again where teams may just hire imports to play for their country so we have to prepare for that. That’s why we need the strongest possible team and most balanced possible team,” he said.

Black said the actual prep time will be short, with Mondays-only practices for a month or two then eight to 10 solid days prior to the team’s departure for Thailand.