Philippine Sports News and Updates

MEDAN, Indonesia – Coach Yeng Guiao is not yet about to tinker with his lineup even as the list of casualties in the Powerade Team Pilipinas has grown to four, including Kelly Williams who could well be out all the way to the FIBA-Asia championship in Tianjin, China.

Point guard Ryan Reyes was the latest player to fall, suffering a pulled hamstring in a game versus Malaysia Saturday, thus joining Jayjay Helterbrand and Sonny Thoss on the sidelines.

But Guiao said he’s not giving up on Reyes, Helterbrand and Thoss, hoping they can recover before they compete in the Jones Cup in Taipei next month.

Reyes, Helterbrand and Thoss will be given time to heal their injuries before the RP coaching staff makes the final assessment and decision prior to their departure for the Jones Cup -- the team’s final warmup for the Asian championship in China in August.

Guiao said anybody who can’t make it to the Jones Cup will also be out of the FIBA-Asia championship.

“They have to be ready for the Jones Cup. Otherwise, they will be out of the team going to China. Same is true for Japeth Aguilar,” said Guiao.

The fiery national mentor isn’t yet looking for a new player for the pool, believing those injured, except for Williams, can recover in time for the Jones Cup.

On Williams, Guiao has conceded losing a vital player who’s versatile to play at No. 3 or No. 4 spot.

“Tingin ko malabo na. And if I were him, I will take a long rest and just return to play once 100 percent healthy. This is just basketball. Don’t risk your life,” said Guiao.

Sta. Lucia top official Buddy Encarnado himself has accepted the sad reality that Williams is out for the rest of the ongoing PBA season.

The Nationals are down to 11 healthy men in the eighth SEABA championship where Powerade-RP was to take on the host team last night.

A victory over the Indonesians would already assure the Nationals of a SEABA finals berth and a ticket to the Asian championship serving as the qualifier for the world meet in Turkey next year.

The Philippines and Indonesia triumphed over Malaysia and Singapore, respectively, on opening day of the short SEABA tourney Saturday.

“At least in SEABA, I think we can survive minus a natural point guard. Minus Ryan and Jayjay, Gabe Norwood has to slide to point guard. Gabe and Willie Miller will alternate at that position,” said Guiao.

For the Jones Cup, Guiao said either Reyes or Helterbrand must be back in harness.

Some coaches back home aired names the moment they heard the news of the Reyes incident. Among names suggested are Jimmy Alapag, Sol Mercado and Wynne Arboleda.

But Guiao isn’t yet about to push the panic button.

• Philstar
• Philippine Sports Central