Philippine U16 cagers open campaign Tuesday

BANTING CITY, Malaysia—The Energen Pilipinas Under-16 Youth Team starts its campaign in the 1st Southeast Asian Basketball Association (Seaba) U16 for Men Tuesday confident of its chances despite little knowledge of the opposition.

The young Nationals tangle with host Malaysia at 9:30 p.m. at the Kuala Langat Gym here with coach Olsen Racela relying on the Filipinos’ acknowledged superiority in the sport in the region.

“It could have been easier if it’s the men’s team because you can see their players in other tournaments, but this is 16-under, so I have no idea how they (the opposition) play,” said Racela.

After Malaysia, the Philippines will battle Indonesia (Wednesday), Laos (Friday) and Singapore (Saturday).

“Skills-wise, Filipinos are better compared to other Southeast Asian countries and right now I’m relying on that,” said Racela.

The tournament’s top two will earn the right to represent the region in the Fiba Asia U16 tournament on Oct. 18 to 28 in Vietnam.

Expected to start for the Nationals are guards Henry Asilum (Sacred Heart-Ateneo de Cebu) and Rev Diputado (San Beda), forwards Earl Murphy (Southville International) and Jay Javellosa (Reedley International) and center Gelo Vito (La Salle Green Hills).

Second-generation players Gideon Babilonia, son of the late PBA player Gido Babilonia, and Louie Boy Brill, the son of former Northern Consolidated Cement guard Louie Brill, are also in the 12-man lineup.

Rounding out the squad are Arvin Tolentino, Ranbill Tongco, Hubert Cani, Daryl Pascual and Kyles Lao. Listed as reserves are Andrei Caracut and Isaac Go.

Murphy took the slot of Filipino-American Nick Dalafu, a 6-foot shooter who contracted dengue a day before the team left for the tournament.