Next generation

The Philippines will be bannered by the next generation of national players at the SEABA U16 Championships in Surabaya on July 17 to 19 with four countries vying for two slots allotted to the sub-zone in the FIBA U16 Asia Championships in Doha on Sept. 17 to 24. In turn, the 16-nation Asia Championships will qualify the top four teams to the FIBA U17 World Cup in Turkey on June 29 to July 7 next year.

Head coach Josh Reyes is working with a 14-man pool. The roster of 12 players and two reserves will leave for Indonesia on Friday. Reyes said the SEABA qualifier wasn’t in the calendar at the start of the year so “it was a big surprise when the memo was given only a month before the actual tournament.” Luckily, Reyes said tryouts began a few months back, aware that the FIBA U16 Asia Championships would be in September.

“Even though we weren’t practicing regularly, at least we didn’t start from scratch when the tournament was announced,” said Reyes. “We started with 23 players then cut it down to 18 and finally, 12 with two reserves.” Deciding on the final 12 was a challenge. The first step was cutting four players from the pool of 18. Released were Ethan Kaw of St. Jude, Jaime Gomez de Liaño of UPIS, Jeremy Godoy of FEU and Benedict Jimenez of UE. Then, Reyes had the “almost impossible task” of choosing the final 12 and two reserves. “Easily, we have 17 kids who are deserving of spots,” he said. “Arguments can be made why each should make the final 12.”

The final 12 are 6-1 Kiefer Alas of La Salle Zobel, 6-1 CJ Amos of Australia, 5-10 Irus Chua of Brent, 6-3 Bon Daja of Davao, 5-10 Joaquin Ludovice of UST, 5-5 Gian Gomez of La Salle Greenhills, 6-1 Bryan Hachuela of La Salle Greenhills, 6-5 Edryn Morales of New Jersey, 5-10 Elijah Williams of New Jersey, 6-5 Paul Diao of Sacramento, 5-11 Kurt Velasquez of UST and 6-2 Ziv Espinas of Ateneo. Reserves are 5-10 Champ Arejola and 6-2 Daniel Sta. Maria, both of La Salle Zobel. Alas is coach Louie’s son and Kevin’s brother. Amos is Ateneo player Mason’s brother. Espinas is PBA veteran Gabby’s son. Arejola is NorthPort PBA governor Erick’s son while Sta. Maria is former La Salle player Adonis’ son.

Reyes brought the pool of 18 to Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba for training and bonding last July 3 to 7. The trip included a cultural visit to Jose Rizal’s ancestral home. The team played FEU in a tune-up, its third after training camp, at Meralco yesterday. Reyes’ staff is made up of assistant coaches Allen Ricardo of Letran, Allan Albano of FEU and Rob Labagala, strength/conditioning coach Chi Mawis and physiotherapist Moreen Ortiz. In the SEABA U16 Championships, the Philippines will play a single round robin with Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.