In an unfortunate turn of events, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced on Thursday night that they have decided to withdraw participation in the 2018 Asian Games slated in August.
This, even if the Philippine Basketball Association had just formally unveiled the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters as the main backer of the national team in the meet on Thursday afternoon at the league’s office in Libis, Quezon City.
“We thank Rain or Shine, especially its owner Terry Que and Raymond Yu, as well as NLEX coach Yeng Guiao and Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia, for expressing their willingness to represent our nation in the upcoming Asian Games,” read the statement.
As per the statement posted by the federation on their Facebook page, the reason behind the sudden pull-out is that the SBP felt that it would be much better if they put all their time and effort in more sustainable goals in the future.
FIBA’s disciplinary sanctions for the country for its involvement in the brawl against the Australian team back in the World Cup Qualifiers’ third window earlier this July also played a factor, according to the statement.
“We have reached the conclusion that, with the forgoing considered and after consulting with the basketball community, the time and chance to participate in the 2018 Asian Games would not be optimal,” it said.
With that, the SBP is asking for everybody’s understanding, from the Filipino fans, to Rain or Shine, and to the Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee, who have given SBP plenty of considerations before.
Moreover, the Philippines, a basketball-loving country, will not participate in the four basketball events of the continental meet – men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s 3×3, and women’s 3×3.
