Despite his impressive performance in the Jones Cup in Taipei, Negrense pro basketball player James Yap was unable to land a spot in the Philippine Team that starts its bid for an Olympic slot in the Fiba-Asia Championships in Tokushima, Japan today.

The line-up submitted by National coach Chot Reyes also left out injured Tony dela Cruz and Ranidel De Ocampo.

Apparently, Reyes picked Talk N Text gunner Renren Ritualo and San Miguel's Dondon Hontiveros over the Escalante City-born Yap, the PBA Most Valuable Player in 2006.

Aside from Ritualo and Hontiveros, the other players making the RP roster are Mark Caguioa, Danny Seigle, Jimmy Alapag, Asi Taulava, Gabe Norwood, Mick Penissi, Kerby Raymundo, JJ Helterbrand, Eric Menk and Kelly Williams.

Ironically, Hontiveros made some end-game miscues in two of the four losses of the Philippines in the Jones Cup.

With the RP cagers ahead by two, 65-63, against Lebanon, Hontiveros missed an ill-advised jumper with eight seconds left and the Lebanese managed to snatch the win, 66-65, with a Rony Fahed triple at the buzzer.

He was also forced to turn the ball over by Japan in the dying seconds with the score deadlocked at 82, giving the Japanese a fast-break opportunity that was completed for an 84-82 victory.

Yap, who is with the RP Team in Tokushima, made an impact for the RP Team in the Jones Cup win against Iran, the team he burned for 18 points.

He was rested during the Manila Invitationals, which the Philippines ruled, because of an ankle injury he sustained against Kazakhstan in the Jones Cup.

Incidentally, the Iranians are the Filipinos' first assignment at 6 p.m. today at the Tokushima, Municipal Gym. Next up for the Nationals, who are seeking an Olympic berth since their predecessors last made it to Munich, Germany 35 years ago, is defending champion China on Sunday and Jordan on Monday.

A pair of victories in the elimination-round can put the Nationals in a strong position for a spot in the quarterfinals. The apparent need for a more formidable lineup, especially in the middle and wing spots, surfaced during a series of tune-up games in Belgrade, Serbia last month, paving the way for the entry of Menk, Williams and Yap. But only Menk and Williams made the grade. *CPT

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