Williams, Taulava gain PBA nod; Yap begs off

BANGKOK – Asi Taulava, Kelly Williams and a still unnamed PBA player have been given the permission to reinforce the Smart Gilas RP team for the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China this November.

The PBA board of governors made the decision approving the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ request to backstop the Asiad-bound RP team in the first resolution it passed in its three-day planning session at the Amari Watergate Hotel here.

During the initial session, the board also gave its approval on the game rule changes proposed for implementation for the coming 2010-11 season by new commissioner Chito Salud.

The Commissioners and the Governors Cups will be re-introduced as the league returns to the three-conference calendar. These import-laced tournaments follow the Philippine Cup which gets under way Oct. 3 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Taulava, Williams and a third PBA player will miss some action in the all-Filipino tourney as they will beef up the Nationals in the Asian Games.

The SBP had requested in particular Taulava, Williams and James Yap but the B-MEG Derby Ace main man begged off due to health and personal problems.

“He was with the RP team in the last two FIBA Asia championships and James asked me if he can be excused this time. He has personal reasons plus the fact that he’s just undergone nasal operation. He was rushed back to the hospital Saturday due to massive bleeding,” said Derby Ace top official and PBA board chair Rene Pardo.

“The PBA board has acceded to the request of the SBP. James Yap won’t be able to join but nevertheless the SBP will be given the choice to fill up a third slot,” said the league commissioner.

In addition, the PBA board is also allowing Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes to assist coach Rajko Toroman in the Asian Games.

Talk n Text alternate governor Patrick Gregorio, also a Smart Gilas insider being the head of the sponsoring Smart Sports, said Toroman would make the choice.

“It would be a position. It could well be a shooter,” said Gregorio.

Among the players likely to be considered are Dondon Hontiveros, Macmac Cardona or Sol Mercado.

 The PBA board also tasked the commissioner and the chairman to meet with SBP officials to know the specific role the pro league would play in the federation’s long-term international program.

Before this development, the SBP leadership had freed the PBA of responsibility with the RP team since it has formed the Smart Gilas team under its Serbian coach.

Salud, however, doesn’t see PBA help entering in smaller tournaments like the SEA Games and the SEABA.

Salud said the board rendered a unanimous decision even as Coca-Cola governor JB Baylon earlier aired concern in losing a lone dominant player in Taulava.

“In the end, he gave an unconditional consent,” said Salud.

Taulava will lend his services to the RP team for a fourth major international tourney after the 2002 Busan Asian Games, the 2007 Tokushima Asian championship and the 2009 Tianjin Asian meet. He’s also played with Smart Gilas in the recent Stankovic Cup in Lebanon.

Williams, meanwhile, will be back in the country’s team after playing for the RP squad in the 2007 Tokushima conclave.