By Hector Santos
The SMC-RP quintet got a big morale-boost two days before its departure for Tokushima, Japan as Gabe Norwood finally obtained a Philippine passport yesterday, giving the talented Fil-Am cager the clearance to play with the Nationals in the FIBA-Asia Olympic qualifier from July 28-Aug. 5.
In this regard, PBA operations chief Rickie Santos said the league has made representations with the Japanese embassy to expedite Norwood's visa application so that the player can join the RP team in its departure tomorrow afternoon.
Norwood, a key figure in the Philippines' bid for a spot in the 2008 Olympics in China, acquired the clearance from the Department of Justice yesterday morning and immediately applied for a passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
His papers will be forwarded to the Japanese embassy for the visa processing this morning.
Another Fil-Am player, Kelly Williams, was issued his own RP passport Friday.
Thus, national coach Chot Reyes now has a full-roster of 15 players raring to go to war in Tokushima. Danny Seigle and James Yap have earlier gotten a clean bill of health for the Japan joust.
Reyes has said he would name his final 12 during the team managers' meeting in Japan Friday. The final 12 could well be Norwood, Williams, Jimmy Alapag, Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Caguioa, James Yap, Dondon Hontiveros, Danny Seigle, Kerby Raymundo, Eric Menk, Mick Pennisi and Asi Taulava.
The squad, after a grueling five-month preparation, will bid to become the first RP team to make it to the Olympics since the 1974 Munich Games. Reyes has promised they would hit their target or die trying.
Reyes and his boys need to win the tourney or finish second behind China to realize their dream of playing in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
But the task in Tokushima appears to be daunting with the Philippines up against formidable foes China, Jordan and Iran right in the elimination round. The Nationals need to finish first or second in the elims to gain a berth in the quarterfinals.
The Nationals are holding two more morning practices before leaving for Tokushima tomorrow afternoon.
“We're just going through the final stages of our preparation, a little fine-tuning,” said Reyes.
Credits to Nelson Beltran of Philippine Star
Retain Ranidel... and James Yap over Ritualo? Hmmm... Chot better rethink over this...
hehehe
