Rain or Shine Elasto Painters co-owner Raymond Yu clarified that there are no final decisions yet about their team being sent to the 2018 Asian Games, but also made it known that the team is willing to lend their players for the meet.
A report sprung up on Thursday night hours after FIBA slapped suspension on Gilas Pilipinas and Australia Boomers players for the brawl last July 2, saying that Rain or Shine’s core will be the one sent to the meet instead of TNT KaTropa’s.
The KaTropa’s core of Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, Terrence Romeo, and Troy Rosario are among those banned for multiple games, though it remains unclear whether the suspension covers the Asian Games or not.
“Wala pa namang concrete agreement but may ano yung PBA na for us to provide the bulk of the players for the Asian Games,” said the amiable executive. “So like I said may mga details pa that we need to iron out.
“But anytime naman there’s a chance for Rain or Shine players to play for flag and country okay naman kami. We’ve always been supportive.”
If ever this pushes through, Rain or Shine will be sending the bulk of their team, which will be bannered by Gilas veteran Gabe Norwood and former national team members Raymond Almazan, Beau Belga, and Chris Tiu.
The likes of Maverick Ahanmisi, Gilas Cadet Ed Daquioag, and two-time PBA Most Valuable Player James Yap will also be added into the mix.
But as much as they’re willing, Yu has also expressed concerns. For them, they would want to send the best possible line-up for the Games in Indonesia, knowing the level of competition in the quadriennial meet is always high.
“You have to understand that the competition in the Asian Games is mataas din yan,” he pointed out.
“So siyempre worried din kami. Gusto namin if we’re gonna go there yung team na panlaban talaga, na ‘di mapapahiya yung bansa.”
