Toroman confident of Fiba Asia medal finish

MANILA—Although winning it all remains the target, Toroman said it would still be nice if his players end up with a shiny piece of metal hanging on their necks regardless of color.

No national men’s team has placed higher than fourth since the Northern Cement Consolidated-backed squad captured the 1985 crown of what was then known as the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) championship.

“Our goal is still the Olympics but whatever medal will be a good result for us,” said Toroman during yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue.  “We have a good shot at winning a medal.”

The champion in the Asian championship in Wuhan, China, on Sept. 15 to 25 gains the lone continental spot to the 2012 London Olympics while the second and third placers get another chance to qualify through the tougher Fiba Olympic qualifying tournament.

The Nationals are grouped with Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and host China in the opening round of the Asian tilt.

They are expected to easily make it to the second round where they will have to hurdle Japan, Syria and Jordan to reach the quarterfinals.

“We should stay healthy and avoid injuries to our main players,” said Toroman. “It’s about time we deliver something bigger and I think our players are ready for it.”

The Asian championship is the culmination of the team’s three-year Olympic program. The Serbian-born mentor stressed that the addition of PBA players Jimmy Alapag and Kelly Williams of Talk ‘N Text will provide the team a deeper rotation.