NANAN, China — The Philippines Burlington-Bestank basketball team took its first glimpse of its 7-2 import, Michael Williams, during light early morning workouts in preparation for its opening-day game against Singapore in the 10th Zheng Chenggong Cup international invitational men’s basketball championships at the Nanan City Stadium.

Two-time champion coach Johny Tam liked what he saw.

“Magaling, masipag , maganda ang kondisyon. Gaya nga ng sabi ng madami, he’s really very good,” said Tam, referring to the 35-year-old journeyman from Britain who flew in straight from Thailand

“If Michael plays as well as he did during our workout, we’re in good hands. Add fellow import 6-8 Raymond Edward Miller and Filipino standouts Brian Ilad, James Martinez and Wowie Escosio, we have a good chance,” added Tan, who is being ably supported here by Philippine chef de mission Ret. PNP Gen. Noel Estanislao.

But Tam, who is best remembered by long-time fans here for his back-to-back championships in 1999 and 2003, reminded his players to keep their focus on their ultimate target.

“Iba na talaga ang basketball kumpara dati. Yun mga teams ngayon mas malalakas, matataas, magagaling. Pati mga imports. Parang dito sa Nanan, na madami ng nabago. Kaya kailangan dobleng sipag sa laro,” Tam told his players.

He also noted the presence of several national players in the other teams, as well as good, quality reinforcements.

The Filipinos’ morale, however, received tremendous boost last Friday with the arrival of businessman-sportsman Alvin Tai Lian of Bestank and Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) secretary-general Graham Lim.

Tai Lian, one of the team’s major supporters, and Lim were warmly received by Nanan City Deputy Mayor Qie Xue Liang during the sumptuous welcome dinner at the Nanan Hotel.

Also giving the Filipino delegation a warm welcome were top officials of the organizing Nanan Overseas Friendship Association, Nanan Municipal People’s Government, Fujian Basketball Association and Quanzhou Basketball Association.

After Singapore, the Philippines is also set to meet Macau and 9th Zheng Chenggong Cup champion Chinese-Taipei in the group phase.

If they advance to the crossover semis, they will meet the No. 1 or No. 2 team in the other group composed of Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives and host China, represented by Fujian.

Organizers have predicted a tight battle for the championship in their pre-events announcements.

The Philippines Burlington-Bestank team is banking on the experiences of Williams, Miller, Martinez and Escosio, who have played together — and won a championship — with the Phuket Waves in Thailand only last month, as well as the leadership of playing assistant coach Brian Ilad.

The other members of the team also supported by PGFlex Linoleum, Healthy Options, Victory Candle, Lucky Chinatown and Philippine Airlines are Raphael Reyes, son of former PBA star Elmer Reyes; Francis Camacho, Byron Joseph Alano, John Lloyd Sabado, Denzel Wong and John Kemp Tam.

The top three teams will be awarded trophies.

Rewards will also be given to the Three-Point King, Scoring King and Rebound King.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ed Andaya