Just like any other Filipino, living legend Robert Jaworski is saddened that the Philippines will not participate in the 2018 Asian Games.
The 72-year-old icon himself had made a mark in the Asiad for leading the first all-PBA team in the meet back in 1990 in Beijing, and that is why it’s totally understandable where his disappointment is coming from.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas drew the ire of Filipino fans last Thursday when they decided to pull out from the continental meet, saying that “the time and chance to participate in the 2018 Asian Games would not be optimal.” That, after announcing that it’s all systems go for the Asiad a few hours before the withdrawal.
The pullout wastes the time and effort put out by the Philippine Basketball Association in helping the SBP. The league was set on lending the whole Rain or Shine Elasto Painters team to be coached by Yeng Guiao.
Guiao admitted that doubts over whether the Philippine men’s team could compete in the Indonesia-hosted tilt played a huge role in the withdrawal. But for Jaworski, they should have simply went out there and play basketball.
“Hindi pwedeng sabihin mo na kaya ako sasali dahil mananalo ako. Yung ipapakita mo dun na samahan ninyo, yung protocol, yung sistema, yun ang tinitignan ng tao. Maraming nag-champion na walang kakwenta-kwenta.”
But more importantly for Jaworski, the federation should have considered the country’s international relations – they might have taken a hit, especially with Indonesia, since it had given the Philippines plenty of time to put together a team.
“You must quantify your international relations na napaka-importante,” said the former senator. “Tanawin niyo kung ‘yun ay maayos, dahil samahan ng nations ito eh. And so ang pinaka-importante diyan eh ‘yung goodwill that you bring together.”
Jaworski’s Asiad team bagged the silver medal – that, despite being formed just two weeks prior to the contest. 28 years later, that achievement remains the highest finish by a PBA-backed national team in the quadrennial meet.
That squad had Mon Fernandez, Chito Loyzaga, Alvin Patrimonio, Allan Caidic, Hector Calma, the late Rey Cuenco, Yves Dignadice, Dante Gonzalgo, Samboy Lim, Ronnie Magsanoc, Benjie Paras, and Zaldy Realubit.
The Philippines has four golds, one silver, and two bronzes in the Men’s Basketball event in the Asiad.
