Eight named to national cage team

First of two-part series

With the 6th Micronesian Games just 65 days away, the main concern for CNMI National Men’s Basketball coach Rufino Aguon is the team’s ability to focus and execute.

With that, Aguon said he has already filled eight of the 12 slots available on the team based on training sessions that began last January.

The list of players who have proven themselves during the intense training include Jeremy Sablan, James Lee, Mel Manibusan, Mark Wallace, Gus Palacios, Dan Barcinas, Steve Rasa, Kelvin Fitial.

Aguon added that a slot has been reserved for center Oscar Ada, who has been training in Hawaii and keeping touch with the national coach, informing him of progress. Ada is expected to return to Saipan on May 19.

“These are the guys that make up the team right now. There are still four slots open and I’m looking at potentially adding two more guards and another big man,” said Aguon.

With that, four slots remain and currently fighting for the positions are Aleric Aguon, John Sablan, Jeremy Winkfield, and James Villacrusis, who are currently taking part in the ongoing training.

Another cager considered for a slot is all-star power forward Ambrose Ogumoro, who is currently in the U.S. Marines. Aguon said Ogumoro informed him that he will give a “yes” or “no” by the second week of May as to whether he’ll be able to return.

“I’m looking at the make up of our line up, and I need another big guy. That could change the make-up because I know he can play…he just needs to get back into the game,” Aguon said of Ogumoro.

Aguon, however, stressed that the eight who have been assured slots must continue to train and take part in his sessions, otherwise, a change may be made.

“The make-up of the team can still change up to the 23rd of May. That’s in one month,” Aguon said.

Aguon said since the start of tryouts, players consistently taking part in the sessions have shown improvement in terms of strength and physical conditioning.

“Physically, the guys that have been coming have gotten stronger. Now we’re in the phase of on court and team skills. Ninety percent of the guys right now have the energy to go to the next level, the other guys—four still looking in—they’re catching up and I will make the decision on their being part of the team or an alternate very soon, probably first couple of weeks of May…and that also depends on Ambrose’s and Oscar’s situation,” he added.

The men’s national team currently trains five days a week, taking on Aguon’s challenges on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.