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source PhilStar.com

MANILA, Philippines - Jayjay Helterbrand has conceded he won’t be 100 percent healthy while Ryan Reyes has given up hopes he could be reactivated by Powerade Team Pilipinas which leaves the country Tuesday for the 2009 FIBA-Asia championship set Aug. 6-16 in Tianjin, China.

Mick Pennisi, nursing a mild case of bronchitis, makes the health condition of the RP-Powerade worse with only five days before plunging into action in the Asian joust which serves as the regional qualifier for the world championship in Turkey next year.

Also minus Jared Dillinger and James Yap, only 10 players suited up as the national squad played Lebanon in a fight-abbreviated scrimmage at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center inside Ateneo yesterday.

The Lebanese jumped the gun on the Nationals and were leading 48-34 when the two teams decided to discontinue the game due to the slippery condition of the floor and the fight that erupted between Arwind Santos and Brian Feghali a little over two minutes into the second half.

Lebanon coach Dragan Raca observed improvement on the Filipinos’ game from their Jones Cup meeting on July 22 where the Lebanese whipped the Nationals, 95-83.

“Even in Taipei, I noticed the Philippines improving each game. I expect them to put up a good fight in Tianjin, China,” said Raca.

RP coach Yeng Guiao, however, was far from impressed, saying they still have a lot of problems in their game.

“I’m not happy on how we work around the ball. And except for Willie (Miller), nobody’s stepping up in terms of outside shooting,” said Guiao.

Seeing Lebanon play one more time also reinforced Guiao’s belief that Middle Eastern squads would be the teams to beat in the Tianjin joust.

“These huge teams would be tough to beat. I think we have a lot better chances of winning against Korea, Japan and Chinese Taipei,” said Guiao.

“We’re having a problem with their picks. Their picks are huge and strong. They’re 20 pounds bigger, and their screens give them opening to shoot. We have to get used to their screening,” Guiao added.

The Lebanese team showed up in the scrimmage with one additional big man in Daniel Faris, a 6-foot-8 forward out of University of San Francisco.

The Nationals, meanwhile, have players continuing to endure pain.

“I don’t think there would be improvement. But it’s okay, I’ve gotten used to playing hurt,” said Helterbrand.

With the death of former President Cory Aquino, James Yap is expected to go to China a little late. – Nelson Beltran