Douthit, Romeo spearhead SEA Games five

MARCUS Douthit will man the slot for the Philippines in the 27th Southeast Asian Games.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios yesterday named the 6-foot-10 naturalized center to the men’s basketball team in the Burma games on Dec. 11 to 22 along with 18 other aspirants.

Gilas cadet players Kevin Alas, RR Garcia, Jake Pascual, Garvo Lanete, Ronald Pascual and Matt Roser were also enlisted along with top collegiate stars Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo, UAAP MVP Terrence Romeo of FEU, Roi Sumang of UE, Prince Caperal (Arellano), Kevin Ferrer (UST), Jericho Cruz (FEU), Arnold Van Opstal (La Salle), Mark Belo (FEU) and Chris Newsome (Ateneo).

Barrios said Filipino-American Chris Banchero, NU’s Ray Parks and Raymond Almazan of Letran are considering entering the PBA rookie draft next month, a move that would require the SBP to seek clearance from the pro league.

“We will ask if the PBA could lend the rookie draftees,” said Barrios during the PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

Multititled PBA coach Jong Uichico was named head coach of the team with Nash Racela and Josh Reyes as assistants.

The 19-man lineup will be forwarded to the Philippine Olympic Committee-Philippine Sports Commission task force before the Oct. 10 deadline, said Barrios.

“There’s no need to finalize the 12 players yet,” said Barrios.

Barrios declined to explain the absence of 6-foot-11 Greg Slaughter of Ateneo. Siblings Jeric and Jeron Teng of UST and La Salle, respectively, were also left out along with 6-foot-6 Ian Sangalang of San Sebastian.