PH basketball groups asked to field in team for Asian games

THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will be meeting this Sunday for the “best available lineup” for the upcoming Asian Games, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go said.

In a phone interview with The Manila Times, Go said he talked to businessman Manny V. Pangilinan, SBP chairman emeritus and International Basketball Federation (FIBA) board member; SBP president Al Panlilio; PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and Philippine Olympic Committee President Ricky Vargas to discuss whether they would reconsider their decision not to send a Philippine basketball team to the Asian Games.

Go said the heads agreed to call for an emergency meeting this afternoon.

“Hoping for positive outcome. For the nation,” Go said.

Go added that he appealed for the re-assembling of a basketball team for the Asiad to show people Filipinos would not back down amid adversity.

On July 26, the SBP decided against fielding a basketball team for the quadrennial competition “to allow the National Team and our organization to regroup.”

Ahead of the pullout, PBA team Rain or Shine Elasto Painters was supposed to represent the Philippines.

SBP’s pullout came exactly a week after FIBA meted out punishments to members of Gilas Pilipinas after the infamous brawl against Australia in the World Cup qualifying game in Bulacan.

Ten players from the Philippine side and three others from the Australian team were suspended while Gilas Head Coach Chot Reyes and deputy coach Jong Uichico were also slapped with punishments.

“To allow our national team and our organization to regroup, prepare for the process of appealing the FIBA disciplinary panel’s recent decision and aim for sustainable success in future tournaments – including the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers and the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup- we have reached the conclusion that, with the forgoing considered and after consulting with the basketball community, the time and chance to participate in the 2018 Asian Games would not be optimal,” the SBP’s statement read.

In a statement sent on Saturday night, Go pushed for the reinstallation of a basketball team for the Asiad.“It is regretful that there is no Philippine team to be brought to the Asian Games, especially if almost all Filipinos have basketball in their hearts,” Go said.

The Asian Games is scheduled from August 18 to September 2nd in Indoneia. RALPH VILLANUEVA

 

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