Re-entry of Gilas unlikely – Barrios
Despite clamor, the basketball team’s re-entry to the Philippine contingent to the coming Asian Games remains unlikely for now with the Indonesian organizers already notified of the pullout.
“The withdrawal has been formalized by the POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) to INASGOC (Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee) an hour or so ago,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios. “Please check with the POC.”
Last week, the SBP decided to withdraw the squad from the Games “to allow our national team and our organization to regroup, prepare for the process of appealing the Fiba Disciplinary Panel’s recent decision (suspending players and coaches) and aim for sustainable success in future tournaments including the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers and the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup.”
But some quarters, including chef-de-mission Richard Gomez appealed to the SBP to rethink its stand and re-join Team Philippines.
Gomez also maintained the door is still open for the Pinoy cagers until Aug. 9 when he as CDM registers the final roster of delegates during the delegation registration meeting.
Barrios declined to further comment.
The pullout came in the aftermath of sanctions imposed by the Fiba on Gilas Pilipinas players and coaches following the ugly brawl with Australia in the World Cup Qualifiers.Ten players, including naturalized Andray Blatche, and coach Chot Reyes, were meted suspensions ranging from one game to six games.
A new team made up of the core of PBA squad Rain or Shine and coached by NLEX’s Yeng Guiao was then tapped to don the country’s colors prior to the SBP’s decision to pull out.