Philippines - Toroman’s RP team to Guangzi

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For the first time since its formation, the SBP-backed national men’s team takes its first test when it competes in the 1st China-ASEAN CBO Men’s Basketball Invitational meet from Dec. 17 to 21in Pingguo, Guangxi, China.

The SBP-Smart Pilipinas Team left yesterday for China to compete against seven nations, including the national teams of Singapore, Brunei, Macao, Myanmar, Malaysia and Vietnam.

An all-star team from host Pingguo, Guangxi, China will also participate in this tournament.

The event is being used by the SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) as part of its long-term program for the national team to gain enough international exposure as it gears up for three important meets.

These are the Southeast Asian Games in Laos next year, the 2010 Asian Games in China and the 2011 FIBA-Asia Championship, the qualifying tournament for the 2012 London Olympics.

"This is the start of our program to gain as much international experience as possible for our young national team players," RP Team project director Rajko Toroman said.

"We intend to slowly initiate these players into the international game as most of them have never been part of the national team. I am confident we will meet our objectives slowly but surely," Toroman added.

The players going to china include 11 members of the 25-man training pool of the SBP namely, Joey Deas, Mark Barocca, Marcy Arellano, Martin Reyes, Ogie Menor, JR Cawaling, Mac Baracael, Dylan Ababou, Magi Sison, Terrel Theophile and 6-foot-11 Fil-Am Greg Slaughter.

The SBP-Smart Pilipinas Team is being sponsored by telecommunication giant Smart upon the initiative of SBP president Manny Pangilinan and Executive Director Noli Eala.

"Many teams are sacrificing with the SBP to lend their players for flag and country. The SBP cannot thank these organizations enough for believing in our cause," Eala said. (Waylon Galvez)