The Philippine Basketball Association and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas have found a way for the Philippines to compete in the 2018 Asian Games.
“We would like to announce our participation in the Asian Games and this will be final,” declared Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Ricky Vargas.
There will be 14 players in the pool for Gilas Pilipinas.
“‘Yung mga team owners, upon the initiative of Alfrancis Chua, decided to open up and suggesting the basketball players who have been selected by our coaches and allow them to join the national team,” added Vargas.
Six of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have been given the green light to play in the Asiad – namely Maverick Ahanmisi, Chris Tiu, James Yap, Beau Belga, Raymond Almazan, and Gabe Norwood.
Six from various PBA teams have also been lent by their respective ball clubs –Stanley Pringle of Globalport, Paul Lee of Magnolia, Christian Standhardinger of San Miguel, Poy Erram of Blackwater, Don Trollano of TNT, and Asi Taulava of NLEX.
Pringle, Lee, and Standhardinger were not part of the pool initially submitted by the POC to the Asian Games committee.
If ever they won’t get clearance, Gilas Cadets Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero are ready to step up in their place.
The coach of the team will still be Yeng Guiao.
“We will announce the coach who is very positive about the team. We also promise our basketball fans that we are not just sending a team but a team that they will be proud of,” closed Vargas.
