MANILA, Philippines – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas submitted its 18-man lineup for the PBA Philippine Cup, including three collegiate players on Serbian coach Rajko Toroman's wish list.
SBP executive director Noli Eala said Ateneo's Rabeh Al-Hussaini, University of the East's Paul Lee and Cebu's Junmar Fajardo were included in the Smart Gilas roster, although the SBP has yet to reach an agreement with these players.
Japeth Aguilar, the controversial 6-foot-10 center, was also on the Gilas lineup, which is all set to test its mettle against the 10 PBA teams when the Philippine Cup fires off October 11.
Aguilar is under fire from Burger King, the ball club which made the former Western Kentucky University slotman this year's No. 1 overall pick in the PBA Rookie Draft.
”We hope to gain mental toughness, more maturity, competitive games and exposure,'' said Eala.
Gilas, a squad made up of collegiate standouts, thrashed the PBA-backed Powerade Team Pilipinas, 98-69, in a charity game Monday night, gaining the respect of the teams in the professional league.
”Winning will be a bonus. But we'll give all of them a good game,'' said Eala.Coached by Toroman, whom the SBP hired as project director for the national team, Gilas is seeking to grab the lone Asian slot for the 2012 London Olympics through the 2011 Fiba-Asia Championship.
PBA chair and BK team manager Lito Alvarez said he wouldn't allow Aguilar to suit up for Gilas in the PBA should the 22-year-old continue to snub the three-year, P8.7-million offer of the Whoppers.
Counting on the SBP's stand that it will not sign up Aguilar until the player comes to terms with the Whoppers, Alvarez said they would discuss the matter with the federation before the week ends.
Should they fail to reach an accord, Alvarez said he would elevate Aguilar's case to the PBA Board of Governors.
Skipper Chris Tiu, co-captain Mark Barroca and American CJ Giles, the team's candidate for naturalization, will spearhead Gilas along with Dylan Ababou, JVee Casio, Aldrech Ramos, JR Cawaling and Mac Baracael.
Other Gilas players included in the lineup were RJ Jazul, Rey Guevarra, Maggie Sison and Greg Slaughter.
Eala said the SBP would persuade Al-Hussaini, Lee and the 6-foot-9 Fajardo from the University of Cebu, to join the Gilas program in the PBA and eventually the team's long-term preparation for the 2011 Fiba-Asia Championship.
SBP executive director Noli Eala said Ateneo's Rabeh Al-Hussaini, University of the East's Paul Lee and Cebu's Junmar Fajardo were included in the Smart Gilas roster, although the SBP has yet to reach an agreement with these players.
Japeth Aguilar, the controversial 6-foot-10 center, was also on the Gilas lineup, which is all set to test its mettle against the 10 PBA teams when the Philippine Cup fires off October 11.
Aguilar is under fire from Burger King, the ball club which made the former Western Kentucky University slotman this year's No. 1 overall pick in the PBA Rookie Draft.
”We hope to gain mental toughness, more maturity, competitive games and exposure,'' said Eala.
Gilas, a squad made up of collegiate standouts, thrashed the PBA-backed Powerade Team Pilipinas, 98-69, in a charity game Monday night, gaining the respect of the teams in the professional league.
”Winning will be a bonus. But we'll give all of them a good game,'' said Eala.Coached by Toroman, whom the SBP hired as project director for the national team, Gilas is seeking to grab the lone Asian slot for the 2012 London Olympics through the 2011 Fiba-Asia Championship.
PBA chair and BK team manager Lito Alvarez said he wouldn't allow Aguilar to suit up for Gilas in the PBA should the 22-year-old continue to snub the three-year, P8.7-million offer of the Whoppers.
Counting on the SBP's stand that it will not sign up Aguilar until the player comes to terms with the Whoppers, Alvarez said they would discuss the matter with the federation before the week ends.
Should they fail to reach an accord, Alvarez said he would elevate Aguilar's case to the PBA Board of Governors.
Skipper Chris Tiu, co-captain Mark Barroca and American CJ Giles, the team's candidate for naturalization, will spearhead Gilas along with Dylan Ababou, JVee Casio, Aldrech Ramos, JR Cawaling and Mac Baracael.
Other Gilas players included in the lineup were RJ Jazul, Rey Guevarra, Maggie Sison and Greg Slaughter.
Eala said the SBP would persuade Al-Hussaini, Lee and the 6-foot-9 Fajardo from the University of Cebu, to join the Gilas program in the PBA and eventually the team's long-term preparation for the 2011 Fiba-Asia Championship.
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