Nothing final on SEAG five roster

By Abac Cordero
Philippine Star
Friday, October 19, 2007

There’s nothing final yet as far as the composition of the Philippine men’s basketball team to the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December is concerned.

“The only thing that is final is that we will win the gold in the SEA Games,” said PBL chairman Cecilio Pedro yesterday during the successful launch of the new PBL season.

“I believe nothing is final. Whatever is good for the national team or the league, we’re willing to undertake,” said Pedro, team owner of Hapee Toothpaste.

Pedro issued this statement when asked whether Gabe Norwood, the talented Fil-American who arrived in the country the other night, would play for Hapee or the RP team.

Norwood made a lot of heads turn when the PBA-backed RP team tried, but failed, to make it past the qualifying tournament for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Norwood has expressed his willingness to don the RP colors. But his presence in the team remains uncertain, depending on the needs of the coaching staff for the SEA Games.

League insiders said if the coaching staff already feels no need for Norwood or any other player in the SEA Games lineup, then the one that has been formed will be made final and official.

Leading the Harbour Centre-Philippine Team now seeing action in Seoul are Jeff Chan, Allan Salangsang, Boyet Bautista, Jonathan Fernandez, Erick dela Cuesta, Patrick Cabahug, Beau Belga and Jervy Cruz.

“If they need any player or players, then the PBL will make them available. We will not stand in the way of the success of the RP team in the SEA Games,” said commissioner Chino Trinidad.

“We will not come home from Thailand without the gold medals. That’s the only title our country has right now,” added Trinidad, now on his eighth year as PBL commissioner.

Pedro said the coming season, which unfolds tomorrow at The Arena in San Juan, will be very exciting as in the past, and not even the arrival of Norwood makes Hapee the team to beat.

“The PBL is always interesting. Nobody is assured of the championship.Norwood is a great player. Still, it’s the team that will blend well that will make it,” Pedro, owner of Hapee Toothpaste, said. “Basketball is a team sport. No single player can deliver a championship. But of course, with Norwood around, we are optimistic.”