Rain or Shine is expected to be granted rights to represent the Philippines in the upcoming Asian Games today when the Philippine Basketball Association holds a crucial Board meeting at the league office in Libis, Quezon City.

Commissioner Willie Marcial and San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua on Tuesday said the Elasto Painters only need to receive formal green light from the PBA board.

The Board, however, will still need to iron out matters related to the Asiad and the league calendar during the assembly.

This was also supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee’s announcement, through POC President Ricky Vargas, following the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ submission of the 18-man Asiad line-up bannered by the Rain or Shine core.

Vargas who also serves as the PBA Board chairman said National Basketball Association player Jordan Clarkson is included in the roster pending approval from the Cleveland Cavaliers while NLEX coach Yeng Guiao was already given the go signal to mentor the team.

“It looks like Rain or Shine is a cinch to go to the Asian Games. Only formalities are to be given,” Marcial said.

Last month, the same board tasked the Talk ‘N Text core to represent the country in the Asiad.

But 10 Gilas players, including four KaTopa cagers, have been suspended by the FIBA for their roles in the melee versus the Australian players last July 2 during their World Cup window.

The FIBA sanctions did not extend to the Asiad set from August 18 to September 2 in Indonesia, but the SBP and the PBA would rather have the suspended players replaced.

The league instead explored other options that eventually ended with Rain or Shine chosen to represent as Gilas.

“The first plan was to pullout of the Asian Games. But when we were told that we will not withdraw, the League Governors have agreed to help form a team,” Chua, also the governor of Barangay Ginebra, said.

“The top team before the semis, which is Rain or Shine, was the easiest pick,” Chua added.

The Elasto Painters, led by team co-owner Raymond Yu, didn’t think twice in answering the country’s call.

With the Asiad a done deal, the Board will also pick the composition of the national team to join the remaining players June Mar Fajardo, Gabe Norwood and Baser Amer in the upcoming second round of the Asian Qualifiers also on September.

“The World Cup is another matter,” Chua said. “We have to agree which players to send there,” San Miguel Beer League Governor Robert Non said.

Chua also said there was an initial list submitted by the national team that also included a bulk of SMC players for the second round of Asian Qualifiers against Iran, Kazakhstan and Qatar.

“They have submitted names, including San Miguel players who would play in the FIBA window. We’ll have to talk about it first,” Chua said.

Former national team players led by Christian Standhardinger and Arwind Santos of San Miguel alongside Greg Slaughter of Ginebra and Raymond Almazan of Rain or Shine have already aired their willingness to suit up for Gilas.

This conference’s breakout player Vic Manuel of Alaska also assured his availability.

The Board will also tackle which coach will temporarily replace Chot Reyes who was also meted by FIBA with a one-game suspension.

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