SEA Games job for college cagers

For the first time, top collegiate stars will form the nucleus of the Philippine team that will defend the men’s basketball title in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Noli Eala said the young talents 19 to 22 years old will be reinforced by Smart Gilas players Aldrech Ramos and Greg Slaughter.

The SBP board has also named UAAP MVP Ryan Roose Garcia of FEU, La Salle’s Sam Marata, and Ateneo’s Nico Salva as the top candidates in the RP young men’s squad. Eala announced that tryouts will begin right after the collegiate season with the head coach of the team expected to be announced soon. “We all agreed that the preparations must begin as soon as possible,” said Eala. “We feel there’s enough talent even among our younger players to be dominant in the SEA Games. All previous teams to the SEA Games featured standouts from the Philippine Basketball League, the training ground of former college stars before their elevation to the pro ranks.