MBT hopefuls divided into 3 pools

The tryouts for the CNMI U17 Junior Boys National Team that will compete in the 2012 Micronesian Basketball Tournament had a big turnout, prompting the coaching staff to divide players into three pools.

Veteran coach Rufino Aguon said over 30 players attended the first two tryouts at the Northern Marianas College Gymnasium.

“It was a good turnout. We had 30 last week and 35 last Tuesday. I am satisfied with the turnout, as it shows that a lot of our local young players are enthusiastic in representing our island in the MBT,” said Aguon, who conducted the tryouts with the help of coaching staff members Ed Manalili, Edsel Mendoza, Omar Ajoste, and Quincy Johnson.

Aguon and his crew were scheduled to make the first cut last night and the final 12-player roster may be out by end of next month.

“This Thursday (last night) will be our cut off, but because we have a big number of players they will be placed in three groups. Group A will be the 12 initial choice. Group B and C will be second and third choices. If the tournament started next week, the group A will be the team but we want all to continue training and play against each other. Right now we are thinking that the final team will be named by end of February so Group B or C can still climb up to A,” the interim coach explained.

Aguon added that he was happy to see tall players in the pool and also those who have some experience competing in youth league.

“There were good signs. We have some height and then some of them are playing for the Sonics and MHS and Southern varsity teams and show solid work ethics and some experience,” Aguon said.

Some of the big men joining the tryouts include Southern’s Christian Mizer, who played in the MBT U15 in Palau last year, Jimmy Tudela, and Bryl Alegre. Southern slasher Jack Aranda is also on the list.

The first 30 players who showed up in the first day of the tryout on Jan. 19 were given chances to show their individual skills, according to Aguon.

“Drills were done at game speed to determine skills in dribbling, passing, layups, jump shots and so on,” the interim coach said.

Then last Tuesday, players ran 5-on-5 plays to gauge their understanding on defensive and offensive plays. In between actions, Aguon explained what went right or wrong in the execution of the offensive and defensive patterns.

When the final selection is made in February, Aguon is expected to push up the training session in the next two months, as the MBT U17 will be played in May. Saipan will be hosting the age group competition from May 12 to 17 with the host squad battling teams from Guam, Yap, and Palau. A separate girls U17 competition will also take place.