MANILA – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has withdrawn from the 2018 Asian Games basketball to be held from Aug. 18 to Sept. 2 in Indonesia.
SBP said the pullout would allow the national team to prepare for an appeal to the FIBA Disciplinary Panel with regards to the suspension of 10 Gilas Pilipinas players recently.
“The SBP remains committed to the continuous development of Philippine basketball, and to attaining the best possible result for our teams on the global stage,” SBP said in a statement.
It added: “However, to allow our National Team and our organization to regroup, prepare for the process of appealing the FIBA Disciplinary Panel’s decision, the time and chance to participate in the 2018 Asian Games is not optimal.”
Last week, FIBA handed down fines to SBP and Gilas Pilipinas players for a July 2 brawl with the Australian national team during their 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifier game.
“The SBP resolves to improve its systems, and to prepare programs that will better ensure respectable performances of our team internationally, of which our countrymen can be truly proud of,” the SBP said.
Prior to the pull out, it was decided that the Philippines would send the core of 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup third placer Rain or Shine Elasto Painters with NLEX Road Warriors’ Yeng Guiao calling the shots.
Guiao, in an interview yesterday morning, said the SBP has decided to pull out from the tournament due to fears of sending a not competitive lineup.
“In the process of trying to complete the lineup, nagkaroon ng parang doubts on whether we can really compete without the players we requested,” Guiao said. “I saw the other teams, they will send their national team.”
“Kaya ang sabi ko sa mga (SBP) boss, kung ganito lang ‘yung situation natin, better if we assess…if it’s really going to help our cause,” he added.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Ricardo Vargas said he was saddened by SBP’s decision to pullout in Asian Games but understood the reason for such.
“I appreciate what the SBP is doing. They are looking forward to strengthening our future,” Vargas said. “Naiintindihan ko rin ang disappointment ng tao but this is the time to look at long-term plans.”/PN
