Chot fancies Williams for Reavis slot

Coach Chot Reyes is looking at Sta. Lucia Fil-Am forward Kelly Williams to replace injured reserve player Rafi Reavis even as he bides his time to officially name his replacement to Rudy Hatfield in the 12-man roster of the Philippine team.

"If Reavis can’t join us due to his injury then we will replace him with Kelly Williams subject to the approval of the Sta. Lucia management," said Reyes.

The RP team coaching staff is still awaiting word from Reavis who has consulted his doctor in the United States. Reavis is nursing a shoulder injury.

"We’ll know his status whether he would undergo surgery on Saturday. There’s a slim possibility he may not be operated on. But if he goes under the knife, he’s out for the rest of the conference and he’s out of the national pool," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

Reserves are asked to join the RP team training depending on their availability. But Rico Villanueva has been religiously attending the training, hoping to gain regular status in the national team.

Reyes, however, said they’re running out of time and may only bring 11 regulars in the US to attend a training camp.

"The US trip is mainly for training before SEABA, I would need the 12th man," said Reyes.

Hatfield begged off from the national team, citing conflict of schedules between the tournament and his wedding date and has since joined the Ginebra Kings in the current PBA Fiesta Cup.

"It would be a big honor for the Red Bull organization if Enrico is named to the national team. But at this point in time, it’s unfair to the team because we’ve prepared for the Fiesta Cup with Enrico in our scheme of things," said Red Bull governor and team manager Tony Chua.

"We’ll allow Enrico to play in SEABA but will not release him in the duration of the Fiesta Cup," Chua added.

Villanueva attends Red Bull’s 9-12 a.m. practice at the RFM gym then drives to the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center in Ateneo for the RP team training.

Romel Adducul, another RP team reserve, undergoes the same daily grind, attending San Miguel’s session in the morning then the RP team workout in the afternoon.

Mark Caguioa was to arrive from a brief vacation in the US yesterday and may join the RP team in training starting today. – Nelson Beltran