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Meet the RP Youth team!
Philippine youth basketball team was formally presented to the public yesterday, hopeful that the program will culminate in the country's long cherished dream of finally qualifying to the Olympics, next slate in London in 2012.
Sixteen of the country's top young players.
Culled from an extensive, nationwide tryouts conducted by coach Franz Pumaren and brother Dindo, make up the youth team, whose training and international campaigns until 2010.
Youth 5 launches Olympic dream
Coach Franz Pumaren presented the 16 members of the Nokia RP Youth training pool in the same well-attended affair at Teatrino in Greenhills.
An air of warmth and familiarity filled the Azadi stadium as the RP and Lebanese Youth squads went through their pre-game drills. Gab Banal and Ahmad Ibrahim even threw their arms over each others’ shoulder and laughed as they talked like two buddies planning a night out.
ferocity that no one could predict who would prevail in the end and be declared 7th overall. 
RR Garcia announced his presence by drawing first blood with a long jumper, and it was a see-saw battle from then on. 2-all, 7-all, 11-all… when the clock stopped after 10 minutes, the score was 17-18, Lebanon up.
In the 3rd, Lebanon threatened to do a repeat as they narrowed the RP lead further 42-38. “The boys seem to relax whenever they have a comfortable lead just like what happened in our game against Japan” said acting head coach Derek Pumaren. “But they are young and full of talent. I’m sure they’ll be able to correct that as they mature and play longer as a team.” After a quick time-out, the boys returned to the court with senses awakened. Mark De Guzman pushed back the threat with 5 consecutive points (a 3-point shot and a long-2) Lebanon responded by fielding in “The Big Show” 7’ 2” center El Haber to control the rebounds but his heft kept him from running with the Pinoys who “upped” the level and speed of their game. Joel Tolentino played the clock’s last 18 seconds and took the last basket of the period 52-48.
In the Final period, the Lebanese youth mounted a spirited resistance to tie the game at 52-52 and eventually take the lead 54-56 halfway through the quarter. But the RP Youth team snapped back to life with consecutive fastbreaks starring a De Guzman/Garcia combination to retake control 62-58 4:16 remaining. Lebanon took the lead one last time at 62-63 courtesy of “The Big Show”. But yet again, De Guzman pushed our cause forward. This time combining with Norbert Torres for a 68-63 lead 1:38 remaining. A Lebanon foul gave RP possession with 1:11 left on the clock. Matthew Wright made full use of the opportunity by shooting a 3-pointer that took flame out of the fighting Lebanese youth 42 secs remaining. Garcia sensed the lack of spirit and stole the ball with 42 seconds left. He was fouled on the way to the basket and cashed in on his 2 freethrows to register 73-63 on the scoreboard. With 5 seconds left, he (Garcia) got another and split the freethrow to commend the final score to history 74-63. 
This will be our last feed from Iran as only the top 3 teams are mandated to march at closing ceremonies.