Smart Gilas players undaunted by string of ailments in road to SEABA

MANILA, Philippines – Already down to a 10-man roster, the Smart Gilas national team is in bad shape after being hit by various ailments going to the 9th Southeast Asian Basketball Association Championship this week.

Shooting guard Chris Lutz strained his quadriceps, forward Japeth Aguilar and playmaker JV Casio both have an injured foot, and Dylan Ababou has been nursing a high fever, reducing the number of healthy Smart Gilas players to six.

The Nationals are seeking to capture the Seaba crown on June 23 to 26 in Jakarta, where the top three finishers will represent the region in the 2011 Fiba Asia Championship in Wuhan, China, on Sept. 15 to 25, the regional qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics.

However, the Seaba is an easy assignment for the Nationals, who even allowed PBA reinforcements Dondon Hontiveros and Asi Taulava to return to their respective clubs in the current Governors’ Cup.

“JV and Japeth have foot injuries, Chris Lutz’s quads are hurting while Dylan is coming off sick,” said Smart Gilas team captain Chris Tiu.

And naturalized player Marcus Douthit only arrived recently after tying the knot with her long-time girlfriend in the United States.

The 6-foot-10 Douthit led the PH five to a semifinal finish in the Fiba Asia Champions Cup hosted by the country two weeks ago.

“Marcus has just returned and, of course, everybody knows our PBA players are not playing so we really have to step up big,” said Tiu.

Seven-footer Greg Slaughter and power forward Aldrech Ramos have long been gone after Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman decided to let them play for Ateneo and FEU, respectively, in the coming UAAP.

Aside from Tiu, the other healthy players are his co-team captain Mark Barocca, Marcio Lassiter, Mac Baracael and Jason Ballesteros.

“Despite these factors, I think we’ll be fine and we’re as eager to play and win the gold,” said Tiu.

Smart Gilas opens its bid against Malaysia, coached by Filipino Ariel Vanguardia, on June 23 then faces Indonesia and Singapore.

The top two teams vie for the crown on June 26.