Gilas to skip Asiad
JUST WHEN everyone thought Gilas Pilipinas’ participation in the Asian Games has already been settled, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is suddenly pulling out the Rain Or Shine-backed Nationals.
In a statement late Thursday night, the SBP explained the sudden withdrawal of Gilas’ participation to the upcoming edition of the quadrennial meet in Jakarta is “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 World Cup.”
The SBP further said, “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 then issued an apology to the Asian Games organizers, to the Gilas fans, and the Asian basketball community.
“The SBP resolves to improve its systems, and to prepare programs that will better ensure respectable performances of our teams internationally, of which our countrymen can be truly proud,” the statement further said.
Interestingly, the announcement came hours after the SBP may have just locked in its participation in the Asiad with its Gilas team finally taking shape.
SBP President Al Panlilio formally announced earlier Thursday that the Gilas lineup will be made mostly of the Elasto Painters’ key players with their former mentor, current NLEX Road Warriors head coach Yeng Guiao, taking charge.
“We thank Rain Or Shine, especially its owners Terry Que and Raymond Yu, as well as NLEX coach Yeng Guiao and Rain Or Shine coach Caloy Garcia, for expressing their willingness to represent our nation in the upcoming Asian Games,” the SBP said, as it expressed gratitude despite the sudden cancellation of participation in the Asiad.
Basketball legend Ramon Fernandez meanwhile said he was puzzled by Gilas Pilipinas sudden pullout from the Asian Games but also admitted that he was also relieved since their non-participation would mean the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) can also save some money.
Fernandez, one of the commissioners of the PSC, is involved in the country’s participation in the Asian Games.
“Actually, I have two perspectives. In the part of the PSC, it’s a relief since there’s not much money for the Asian Games and we can actually saved with this. Ever since, we had criteria in the Asian Games, to send only the medal contenders. If this was the SEA Games, ok lang (it’s just okay), since it’s just a barangaylevel event,” said Fernandez, who was part of the 1990 and 1974 Philippine teams to the Asian Games.
Fernandez pointed out that Gilas Pilipinas finished seventh in the last Asian Games and based on their criteria, would not have qualified.
However, as a basketball fan, Fernandez admits he was a bit disappointed.