A frustrated Lester Prosper has had enough of Indonesian fans calling for his head after Timnas suffered a 51-76 loss to Gilas Pilipinas in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, Friday evening.
This came after news outlet Mainbasket posted on Instagram Indonesia head coach Rajko Toroman’s comments regarding the team’s future heading into the FIBA Asia Cup proper this August.
“We have Lester and one player who continues to train in Jakarta while waiting for his passport to be complete,” said Toroman referring to Marques Bolden.
“Before FIBA Asia, we will decide who we will play.”
Comments stemmed from waiting to have Bolden, to removing Prosper from the team completely.
The 32-year-old naturalized Indonesian, who played as an import for Columbian Dyip, could not help but reply to those comments.
“Blame it all on me. I guess my double-doubles are not enough. I’m just doing my job,” said Prosper, who had 22 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks against Gilas.
“At some point, maybe the system and the coaching staff should be undecided [sic] as well.”
Toroman only had three full days to train with Timnas before heading into the Clark bubble as Arki Wisnu, Agassi Yeshe Goantara, Vincent Rivaldi Kosasih, Govinda Julian Saputra, Andakara Prastawa Dhyaksa, Hardianus Lakudu, Juan Laurent Kokodiputra, and Kevin Sitorus were only able to join the team after the Indonesian Basketball League Finals.
Brandon Jawato was also not available for the window as he is still recovering from a surgery.
Prosper then went on to ask.
“Even before I got here what games were won?
“Come on guys, don’t disrespect me! Real basketball people see the real issue,” continued the 6-foot-9 big man, who is averaging 22.0 points and 11.0 boards in three Qualifiers games.
Prosper actually has a point.
Back in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, Thailand soundly defeated Indonesia, 98-76. The next time they faced off in the Manama window, Indonesia easily dispatched Thailand, 90-76.
Prosper is bracing for the moment Bolden replaces him, though. If so, he will still be grateful for the opportunity to play for Indonesia.
“But as I say if I’m done here, thank you for the ones that have supported me.
“I tried and that’s all I can do. It’s a team sport,” he closed.
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