The Philippines will not be participating in the 2018 Asian Games.
Even if the continental meet will feature four basketball events, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas will not be sending a contingent to the games that will be held in Jakarta from August 18 to September 2.
The development was first reported by Reuben Terrado of SPIN.ph.
As per the report, the Philippine Olympic Committee has already notified the Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee that Gilas Pilipinas will not be competing in the event through a letter sent on Tuesday evening.
The SBP’s decision came about after a dinner between the federation’s top officials, supposed-head coach Yeng Guiao, and Rain or Shine mentor Caloy Garcia, Thursday evening – hours after the PBA and the SBP formalized a deal sending the core of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Guiao to the Asiad.
With this, the Philippines will not be competing in the Asian Games for the first time since 2006 – the time when FIBA suspended the country due to a conflict between the Basketball Association of the Philippines and the POC.
Perlas Pilipinas, the Women’s National Basketball Team, was not called up by the SBP to join the Asiad as well, even if the team competes at the Level I of FIBA Asia.
For the U-23 3×3 competitions, both the men’s and the women’s side will also not participate in the events, as the majority of the 23 for 2023 Gilas Cadets are either in the midst or preparing for their respective collegiate basketball campaigns.
The 2018 Asian Games will mark the first time that 3×3 basketball is included as a medal sport. Cagers who are 18 to 23 years of age are eligible for the event.
