Philippines - BAP-SBP shops for SEABA coach

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Coach chot Reyes should now decide who among his top lieutenants is ready to call the shots for the national team that will take part in the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) championship in May.

While the five-man committee tasked by the BAP Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to help in the formation of the team to the SEABA affirmed its recognition of Reyes as head of the national coaching staff and training pool, the members believed that it is wise if Reyes relegates the coaching reign to one of his assistants.

That way, Reyes will have an ample time to prepare an all-pro team to the FIBA-Asian Championship in Japan in July which is the qualifying tournament for the Beijing Olympics next year.

The country’s suspension from any FIBA-sanctioned tournament is expected to be lifted soon by the international basketball federation.

The committee, chaired by PBL Commissioner Chino Trinidad, had already advised Reyes to submit a short list of assistant coaches. His assistants include Aboy Castro, Nash Racela and Biboy Ravanes.

"Instead of putting it to a vote, we decided to discuss the pros and cons and we came up with a consensus. Coach Chot will still have his thumb mark on the team," said Trinidad yesterday.

Reyes’ assistants will be at the helm in tournaments like the SEABA and the Southeast Asian Games, events do not fall under the "elite" category as defined by the constitution and by-laws of the SBP.

Included in the "elite" category are the Olympic Games, World Championships and all its qualifying meets, including the FIBA-Asia championship.

The committee also opted to have a "composite team", which should have a minimum of six amateur players, to be reinforced by pros to the SEABA tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

According to Trinidad, such a "composite team" would still be very competitive given the level of competition. The set-up may also be more ideal in adopting a more long-range plan for the sport.

"The committee feels that this SEABA is too shallow for a team made up of pros. Before coming up with a decision, we consulted with all parties concerned," added Trinidad.

Aside from Trinidad, the other members are Lito Alvarez, Wilson Young, Christian Tan and JunJun Capistrano. Before coming with the decision, the committee also sought the advise of PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas.

The team may be fielded in other tournaments, like the SEABA Club Championships in April as well as other tune-up games that will be lined up for them by the national coaching staff.

Trinidad and Capistrano actually had no problem with an all-pro team, but Alvarez, Young and Tan pushed for an all-amateur squad.

"But upon hearing the soundness of the program (composite team), we just refined it," said Trinidad. "At the end of the day, it was a healthy compromise and everybody happy."