By Joel Orellana

SAMAHANG Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is undaunted despite the refusal of three players to be tied up with the group’s multimillion-peso, three-year men’s basketball program.

SBP executive director Noli Eala said they had no choice but to replace San Beda’s Ogie Menor, De La Salle’s Rico Maierhofer and University of the East’s Marcy Arellano in the 25-man pool.

“We still have enough players who are willing to devote their time to play for the national team,” said Eala. “As I’ve said before, we’re not forcing anyone to sign.”

The former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner said Ateneo’s Ford Arao, Far Eastern University’s Aldrech Ramos and University of Santo Tomas’s Chester Taylor are the replacements.

Eala added that coach Rajko Toroman is also looking at Blue Eagles forward Nonoy Baclao but the six-foot-four forward is still recuperating from an old injury.

Menor, Maierhofer and Arellano reportedly refused to sign contracts with the SBP because of what their parties claim as “questionable provisions” in the contracts, including one that delved on “only reasonable hospitalization” would be shouldered by the SBP should they sustain an injury.

The three were supposed to play on Wednesday in an exhibition game against Burger King of coach Yeng Guiao. The Nationals forced Guiao’s team to a 95-all draw.

“While their absence is a blow to the team, I think there are other young talents who are willing to sacrifice. And, so far, a lot of collegiate players have expressed willingness to join,” Eala said.

De La Salle alumnus JV Casio was at first hesitant in signing up, but the former San Beda Red Cub decided to join the program. Casio already played in an exhibition match against Rain or Shine on Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Ramos and Taylor did not play Sunday because they are still playing for Harbour Centre and Magnolia, respectively, in the Philippine Basketball League finals.

The SBP has earmarked P14 million in the first year of the program, P24 million in 2010 and P36 million in 2011 in time for the International Basketball Association (Fiba) Asia qualifier for the 2012 London Olympics.

Most of the members of the developmental pool were given lucrative contracts by the SBP to prevent them from turning pro. Some were given three-year contracts while some got two years with a maximum salary of as high as P6.4 million in three years.


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