FORMER Ateneo Blue Eagles’ star Chris Tiu and Far Eastern University standout Mark Barroca are among the new faces comprising the new national basketball team, which will soon begin chasing an elusive dream to make it to the 2012 London Olympics.

The two speedy point guards, who made waves with their exceptional plays in last year’s University Athletic Association of the Philippines cage wars, were among the 13 collegiate stars given slots to the national squad handled by Serbian coach Rajko Toroman.

“I know we’re in good hands. Isa lang ang maipapangako ko. We’ll do our best. Definitely, we’ll do our best, which is our goal when we try to make it to the Olympics,” said Tiu, who was named co-captain with Barroca.

The new team, to be known as the Smart-Gilas Philippine men’s team, was launched last Wednesday at the Teatrino Greenhills at The Promenade in San Juan.

The 24-year-old Tiu, who momentarily gave up his dreams to turn professional and play in the Philippine Basketball Association, made it to the national squad with Barroca and his other teammates by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manuel V. Pangilinan.

Pangilinan honored the players by personally giving them a navy blue blazer, which they wore over Rhett Eala-designed shirts, which had the map of the Philippines etched on the upper left chest.

“Some of you are still studying. It’s a great sacrifice. But it’s all worth it for the next four years. The quest now begins for our place in the 2012 Olympics,” said Pangilinan, who was joined by SBP vice chairman Ricky Vargas, Patrick Gregorio and executive director Noli Eala during the ceremonies.

United States Ambassador Kirstie Kenney also graced the occasion with PSC commissioners Fr. Vic Uy and Eric Loretizo, and Philippine Olympic Committee secretary-general Steve Hontiveros.

The rest of the members of the national team include co-skipper JV Casio, University of Santo Tomas’ Dylan Ababou, Ateneo’s Ryan Buenafe, FEU teammates JR Cawaling and Marnel Baracael. The 6’11” Greg Slaughter of Cebu also made it with 6’7” San Sebastian bet Jason Ballesteros, University of the Philippines’ Magi Sison and Ateneo’s Claiford Arao. Peter Atencio