MANILA, Philippines—Smart Gilas-Pilipinas coach Rajko Toroman on Wednesday named the 12 players who will compose the Asian Games squad that will compete in Guangzhou, China, starting on Nov. 12.
The names, not etched in stone with the naturalization of Marcus Douthit pending, were led by PBA players Asi Taulava, who was traded by Powerade to Meralco yesterday, and Talk ‘N Text forward Kelly Williams.
Completing the Asiad dozen are Chris Tiu, Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, JV Casio, Dylan Ababou, Jason Ballesteros, Marcio Lassiter and Aldrech Ramos.
Toroman, however, explained Smart Gilas could still make changes with the squad before the managers’ meeting a day before the Asian Games kick off.
The most notable change will take place if Douthit manages to get his Philippine passport in time. Douthit’s naturalization is currently being processed at the House of Representatives.
“We can [make changes],” said Toroman. “I think before the team manager’s meeting we can replace a player if he’s injured.”
“The tournament is two months away, and we don’t know if something will happen to one, two or maybe five players. Somebody might get injured, so there is a possibility to make the change.”
The Serbian mentor is also whipping the team into competitive form in preparation for the Fiba-Asia Championship next year in Beirut, Lebanon, the qualifying event for the 2012 London Olympics.
Lassiter, who last played in the Fiba Stankovic Cup last month, is recovering from a dislocated hip in the US and could be replaced.
Toroman has yet to reveal the identity of a third PBA player he wants to be included. Toroman’s initial request included Derby Ace gunner James Yap, who begged off for personal reasons.
Rain Or Shine’s Sol Mercado and Gabe Norwood are high on the list of possible replacements. San Miguel’s Arwind Santos and Dondon Hontiveros and Renren Ritualo of Powerade are also being considered.
Fil-Am guard Chris Lutz is also hoping to secure his Philippine passport so that he can be among those in the pool of possible replacements.
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