Coach Rajko Toroman's Team Pilipinas wins First China-Asean CBO tournament

Oh yes! The recently formed Team Pilipinas led by Rajko Toroman showed its potential by beating China 76-72 in the First China-Asean CBO invitational tournament. The Philippine contingent is composed of amateurs and college standouts showed enough skill to beat a team which some handles in interbasket forum said was a professional team in China (Lin Ning). So far no updates yet from Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas website but here is an account from gameface.ph:

Philippines won 76-72 according to Sports radio.... According to the text, we we're in control, we led all throughout the game by as much as 15 pts. China tied the game at the end, but the pinoy ballers showed their heart and poise at the end game.

The game result is confirmed by Xinhua

The team is composed of:
FEU’s Mac Baracael, Mark Baroca and JR Cawaling
UE’s Marcy Arellano
UP’s Martin Reyes and Magi Sison,
San Beda College’s Ogie Menor
UST’s Dylan Ababou,
UV's6-foot-11 slotman Greg Slaughter
Oklahoma City’s Terrel Theophile
Joey Deas of Rockhurst University in Kansas

Great news indeed! Man, I think new breed of Filipino basketball players are more gutsy than their predecessors. This is just the beginning. In fact, this SBP Team Pilipinas' line up isn't the strongest yet as players from Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines champion Ateneo and National Champion De La Salle aren't playing. The Team Pilipinas of the Future will only get stronger.

Where is Arvie Bringas going? UP, DLSU or ADMU?

Arvie Bringas, the talented high school standout from San Sebastian is reportedly the most sought after high school player nowadays. Schools are allegedly scampering to recruit Arvie to play for their school when he steps into college next year. The notable teams are from Ateneo De Manila University, De La Salle and even UP. I read accounts that Arvie is already practicing with UP Maroons. I can't verify it though.Arvie Bringas did play well in the NCAA Juniors Championship, impressing the commentators with his build and agility. We will see whether the fuss about Arvie Bringas is justified when he plays college ball next year.

Speaking of Ateneo, if they get Arvie - the team will even be stronger - a potential dynasty in the making. Of all schools after Bringas, Ateneo De Manila's reportedly the favorite bet to get the young cager. However, a handle in Pinoyexchange.com said, Arvie Bringas has misgiving in joining the school for he doesn't want to play sidekick to Ryan Buenafe again. I don't discount Arvie playing for his school in college. Frankly speaking, it would be better for him to play in the UAAP where the competition is tougher and media publicity is high.