Smart Gilas backs out of Doha tilt

THE SMART-GILAS PILIPINAS have scrapped plans to compete in Doha, Qatar for a pocket tournament that would have sharpened their skills in time for the FIBA-Asia Championships in Wuhan, China.

According to head coach, Rajko Toroman, the lack of healthy bodies pushed their hand into cancelling the said trip.

Given that three players from the Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters are still playing in the PBA Governor’s Cup finals, Toroman thought it was wise to give his players some time to rest and recuperate, especially after playing in nine games in nine days during the recent Jones Cup.

Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams, and Ranidel de Ocampo, who are currently seeing action for Talk ‘N Text in the 2011 PBA Governors’ Cup finals, had been scheduled to join the team in Qatar.

With the departure of veteran guard Dondon Hontiveros, Toroman said that the team was planning to tap one more member of Talk ‘N Text to reinforce SMART-Gilas.

But with the PBA finals only scheduled to end this Sunday, there might not be enough time for the Talk ‘N Text players to fully recharge for the Qatar tourney.

In addition, JV Casio, Mark Barroca and Chris Tiu are still nursing injuries.

The Qatar tilt would have been the last international stint for SMART-Gilas as they gear up for the 2011 FIBA-Asia Championships next month, which serves as the qualifier for Asia’s lone spot in the 2012 London Olympics. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio