From businessmirror.com.ph
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The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will allow the national developmental team—the RP Smart Gilas team of Serbian coach Rajko Toroman that is aspiring for a spot in the 2012 London Olympics—to play exhibition matches against PBA teams in the league’s 2009-10 season.

“Since RP Smart Gilas is a developmental team, the board decided we can maximize the PBA’s assistance by playing the team as much as we can,” board chairman Joaqui Trillo of Alaska said.

“This way, they will not be limited by our format and, in fact, they can continue to play our teams even during the playoffs depending on their needs. They will also have more flexibility regarding their training abroad.”

The PBA said it is also not closing its doors on Toroman’s team to play as a guest squad in the future.

“Maybe we can follow the NCC model where the team played exhibition games with the PBA ball clubs at first, but eventually got to play as a guest team in a regular PBA conference after seeing action in a number of international competitions,” said Barrios.

The Northern Consolidated Cement (NCC) squad, piloted by American Ron Jacobs, played exhibition games against PBA teams in the early 1980s. After reaping success in Asian competitions, the team was accepted as a guest team in the PBA, eventually winning the 1985 Reinforced Conference crown.

Talk ’N Text board representative Ricky Vargas, who also sits as Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) vice chairman, thanked the PBA board for its generosity.

“This help will surely go a long way in developing the team and getting the players ready for the tough international tournaments, and we in the SBP are truly grateful,” Vargas said.

On the technical side, a meeting between league officials, team officials and coaches will be set to get a clearer picture on the officiating philosophy and calls being made by officials in the ongoing Fiesta Conference.

The board will have a more thorough and detailed planning session to tackle the direction and plans for the league’s 35th season and beyond.

SBP grateful on PBA’s gesture

SBP executive director Noli Eala said on Tuesday the decision of the PBA to grant a request for its development team to play in the coming season is definitely a big boost to the basketball group’s long-term goal to earn the country a spot in the 2012 London Olympics.

“We welcome the decision of the PBA to allow the Smart Gilas National Team with excitement and gratitude,” Eala said.

“This is definitely a tremendous boost to our long-term program as it will provide competitive games and valuable exposure to the team. We thank the PBA for this opportunity and we look forward to showing the progress of the national team to its legions of fans,” he added.

Gilas team’s baptism of fire

THE Smart Gilas Pilipinas National Team absorbed a 61-92 loss at the hands of Metallac Valjevo in the first of its seven-game exhibition games in Serbia. Metallac Valjevo is the fifth-seeded team in Serbia and with an average height of six-foot-seven.

According to Eala, the nationals were “tight and nervous” as almost all of the them played their first game against a top European professional team.

The team could not adjust quickly to the brand of play in Europe.

“It was a totally different level. The game was very physical as the Serbians pushed the team out of our plays,” said Eala. “But the spirit of the boys are still high, this is part of our learning and building process.”

Mark Barroca led the nationals with 19 points, while Marnel Baracael chipped in 15.

The team’s next assignment is the BC Beogard at the Pionir Hallin in Belgrade.