Mercado bolsters Smart Gilas Asiad five

MANILA, Philippines–SOLOMON Mercado can beat any defender off the dribble, shoot step-back threes with ease, and defend like a madman hounding his prey.
These are the qualities that the 6-foot-1 Rain or Shine cornerstone will bring to the Smart Gilas national team in the Asian Games.
RP coach Rajko Toroman yesterday named Mercado as the third Philippine Basketball Association player to reinforce the Nationals after the league loaned Asi Taulava and Kelly Williams for the quadrennial games in Guangzhou on Nov. 12 to 27.
Toroman picked Mercado after seeing the explosive playmaker up close during the Smart Gilas’ tuneup game against the Elasto Painters.
Rain Or Shine team owners Terry Que and Raymund Yu, immediately informed about the request, did not hesitate to accede.
“As long as it is for flag and country, we are ready to sacrifice,” Que said.
“It’s an honor for us to lend Sol, and help the RP team accomplish its mission,” added Yu.
Mercado’s spot was originally intended for James Yap, the Derby Ace gunslinger who is the reigning PBA MVP. But Yap begged off last week after undergoing nasal surgery. He is also anticipating legal complications in his estrangement from actress Kris Aquino.
“We are happy for him (Mercado) despite knowing how important he is to our campaign (in the PBA Philippine Cup),” Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia said.
Toroman said they will drop one player from the 12-man lineup they submitted to the Philippine Olympic Committee to accommodate Mercado.
Mercado, Williams and Taulava will join Smart Gilas regulars Chris Tiu, Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, JV Casio, Japeth Aguilar, Jason Ballesteros, Dylan Ababou, Greg Slaughter, Marcio Lassiter and Aldrech Ramos.
There’s also a possibility that American Marcus Douthit, who has applied for naturalization, and overseas-based guard Chris Lutz will be included once they obtained their Philippine passports.