For Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, sitting out of the 18th Asian Games is much better than competing without any preparation.

Cojuangco, the former Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president, claimed to be in favor of the withdrawal, saying that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) needs to use the opportunity to “re-organize” its program for other major international tournaments ahead.

The federation drew a lot of flak for pulling out the national men’s basketball team in the Asian Games at the last minute.

Due to the massive brawl that erupted between Gilas Pilipinas and Australia in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier early this month, the SBP had a hard time assembling a strong team capable of bouncing back form a seventh-place finish in the prestigious quadrennial meet in Incheon in 2014.

A professional team in Rain or Shine stood up to take the cudgels, but after a meeting among members of the Philippine Basketball Association board of governors, the SBP suddenly issued a statement that it is waiving its right to see action in the Asian Games.

SBP president Al Panlilio said they are withdrawing from the Asian Games to re-organize and appeal the sanctions imposed by the world-governing body in basketball.

After all, they are having a hard time assembling a very competitive team after their reinforcements like National Basketball Association standout Jordan Clarkson, Christian Standhardinger and Andray Blatche are not sure of making it.

“Yes I am in favor of the pullout simply because we’re not ready. That’s my opinion,” said Cojuangco, who lost the POC presidency to former SBP vice chairman Ricky Vargas in a court-ordered election last February.

“Let us remember that basketball is a team sport. Our basketball team can’t perform better if we’re not properly prepared.”

“You just can’t put on a team there and expect it to win because we are not tall. Our players have to jell and develop good team work, which takes a lot of time.”

Cojuangco played a crucial role in the formation of SBP almost 10 years ago.

As the POC president at that time, he spearheaded the expulsion of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) and joined the three-man panel composed of BAP president Joey Lina, Pilipinas Basketball president Bernie Atienza and industrialist Manny Pangilinan in its meeting with FIBA secretary general Patrick Baumann in Switzerland.

It led to the creation of the SBP with Pangilinan as president

Cojuangco stressed that he’s hopeful that the Olympic Council of Asia will understand the SBP’s position, especially since it is coming off a major blow where 10 players and two coaches were heavily sanctioned.

“I’m sure the Asian federation will understand,” said Cojuangco. “I think there’s some kind of a penalty, but they should understand were the SBP is coming from.”

“The SBP, instead, should take this opportunity to come up with a fixed program that will result to having basketball players who are committed to practice the whole year round. If that will happen, then, we will surely have a deep pool of players ready for international competitions.”

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