Select players from Alaska Aces boost SEABA-bound PH squad

L.A. Tenorio. PBA IMAGE/ Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines – Alaska’s early exit in the PBA Governors’ Cup came as a blessing in disguise for the Philippines’ SEABA-bound squad.

As the official line-up was announced, three key players from the Aces were expected to boost the Philippines in the SEABA Championships from July 3-7 in Thailand.

Starting guard L.A. Tenorio, Mac Baracael and center Sonny Thoss were included in the roster, along with the only holdovers from the original Smart Gilas Chris Tiu and Marcus Douthit.

“Big thanks to Alaska and the PBA board,” said Chot Reyes on his Twitter account (@coachot) Thursday, along with the revised list of players.

The Aces ended its campaign Wednesday night with a blowout, 110-80, against Air21 for another disappointing finish.

The changes in the squad, which is also composed of select amateur players, were made to replace three of the players originally included.

Wiry and athletic Fil-Americans Cliff Hodge and Chris Ellis were dropped for the line-up, anticipating eligibility problems with the new Fiba rule.

Though Thoss is also of Fil-Papua New Guinean descent, he has suited up for the Philippines in the past Fiba tilt.

Vic Manuel, an agile big man and one of the best amateur players today, meanwhile, was cut off from the squad as he has not attended any practices, according to Reyes.

“He [Manuel] didn’t show up, even after giving his go signal,” said Reyes in a text to INQUIRER.net.

Aldrech Ramos, who recently played in the Asean Basketball League, along with Dave Marcelo, Woody Co, Borgie Hermida, Garvo Lanete, Emman Monfort from the PBA D-League champion NLEX, completed the squad.

Due to conflicting schedules, no active players from the UAAP and the NCAA has joined the team, whose task is to top the tournament and qualify for the FIBA Stankovic Cup.