Powerade Team Pilipinas lands in Tianjin

Veteran Asi Taulava and rookie Japeth Aguilar expressed confidence on the chances of Team Pilipinas in the 25th Fiba-Asia Men’s Championship, which kicks off on Thursday at the Tianjin Gym in Tianjin, China.

Arriving Tuesday afternoon with the rest of the team, led by national coach Yeng Guiao and Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) operations and technical chief Ricky Santos, the two RP team centers shared the view the squad could achieve its goal.

“We’re ready to go, ready to play,” beamed Taulava, the team captain. “We had a good practice yesterday, one of our best.”

“Excited siyempre, pero anxious at the same time kasi gusto kong malaman kung ano kakalabasan ng preparasyon at adjustments na ginawa namin for one week,” Aguilar said.

The Philippines faces Sri Lanka at 9 a.m. on Thursday before tackling Japan and South Korea in two 9 p.m. encounters on Friday and Saturday.

Taulava waved off losses in the William Jones Cup tournament in Taipei last week where the country finished sixth with a 2-6 record.

“The record is zero-zero, it doesn’t matter what happened before,” he said. “As I’ve told my teammates, ‘we have a good chance for a win, let’s make the best of it.”

Aguilar, his confidence apparently boosted by Burger King picking him No. 1 overall
in the Draft Sunday, said he believes the losses in the Jones Cup have their upside.

Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes failed to make the final roster due to a blood disorder problem and a hamstring injury, respectively.

Jayjay Helterbrand will have to endure a hamstring strain while Mick Pennisi will play with a mild case of bronchitis.

Completing the roster are Asi Taulava, Japeth Aguilar, Kerby Raymundo, Gabe Norwood, Jarred Dillinger, Arwind Santos, Willie Miller, Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss and James Yap.

James Yap will be joining his RP teammates on Thursday.

Interment for Mrs. Aquino is set on Wednesday.