TALL RP CAGE TEAM CHOSEN FOR BANGKOK ASIAD
Manila, June 28, 1998 - A tall RP Centennial team was chosen by head coach Time Cone yesterday, as the Philippines' hope to recapture dominance in the Asian basketball scene in December at the Asian Games in Bangkok.
Named to the team, with the tallest at 6-foot-5, were Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa, Kenneth Duremdes and Bong Hawkins of Alaska Milk; Alvin Patrimonio and EJ Feihl of Purefoods; Jun Limpot and Dennis Espino of Sta. Lucia; Allan Caicdic and Olsen Racela of San Miguel Beer; Jeffrey Cariaso and Andy Seigle of Mobiline, Vergel Meneses of Pop Cola and Marlou Aquino of Ginebra San Miguel.
Cone describe the team as one "that could defend well and could run our offense well."
"We could be a power team, we could be a quick team, we could go out and pressure. WE could be a team that could dominate the boards," Cone said. "All of is can shoot, so I am not really concerned about the perimeter. We could put out a whole bunch of slashers or a team of shooters. That's what we were really looking for -- a team with versatility."
Cone said the team will now practice daily and when the PBA Commissioner's Cup is over, it will be twice a day.
As part of its training, the team will face 10 NCAA squads in the United States, in a marathon 14-day session which will entail travelling by bus for more than 3,500 kilometers.
Not picked from the original 19-man pool were Nelson Asaytono of San Miguel, Vince Hizon of Ginebra, Vic Pablo of Shell, Jerry Cordinera of Purefoods and Bonel Balingit of Pop Cola.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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