MCGILL GRAD SEES ACTION WITH PHILIPPINES SQUAD

Sean Anthony, a graduating senior with the McGill University men's basketball squad, recently played in Japan with the "Smart Gilas" national developmental team of the Philippines.

The 6-4, 204-pound forward from Vancouver was signed after a tryout at a three-day basketball camp in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Philippines team is playing exhibition games against the Japanese national squad.

COULD PLAY KEY ROLE

Noli Eala, the executive director of the Philippines National Basketball Federation (SBP), said Anthony could play a pivotal role in the campaign to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.

A physical education major, Anthony was known as a defensive stopper and slasher at McGill. He was invited by Eala to join the Fil-Am camp in Las Vegas in April and coach Rajko Toroman was impressed with his overall skills and strong knowledge
of the game.

Anthony's mother is Filipina.

"When I was a kid, I'd spend all my summers in the Philippines," he told the Philstar.com website. "I also hang out with the Filipinos [in Vancouver] so adjusting to the [Filipino] culture won't be difficult."

Anthony's skills impressed the

Philippines National Team.

HOOP DREAMS

Anthony's dream is to someday play in the professional Philippines Basketball Association (PBA).

"Sean played in a scrimmage between Fil-Ams and Smart-Gilas in Las Vegas and he impressed with good shot selection, tough defence and overall court sense," said Eala. "He's still learning and adjusting to coach Rajko's system."

LEGACY AT MCGILL

Anthony, a four-time all-star in the Quebec University Basketball League, ranks fourth among McGill's all-time scoring leaders with 1,834 career points over a school record 152 contests for a 12.1 average per game. He reached double figures in scoring 82 times with the Redmen, including 21 double-doubles.

- McGill University/Philstar.com -