World Cup cagers make Asiad roster

Seven of the players who saw action in the FIBA World Cup are on the Team Philippines' list for men's basketball that will compete in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou.

The lineup, according to Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, was submitted along with those of the 39 other sports or disciplines where Filipino athletes are competing in the Games that start 23 September.

Any changes, Tolentino said, would have to be appealed to the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee.

"The deadline for the Entry by Names was last 25 July and whatever list a national Olympic committee submitted is deemed official," Tolentino said.

Tolentino also said that Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame, both naturalized, are eligible for the Asian Games for the simple rule that they only need to show a valid Philippine passport.

"Only the passport," Tolentino said.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas list had World Cup veterans Kiefer Ravena, Scottie Thompson, Roger Pogoy, June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Japeth Aguilar and Jamie Malonzo.

Also in the roster are Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Brandon Rosser and naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame.

Dwight Ramos, Renz Abando, Kai Sotto and naturalized player Jordan Clarkson as well as AJ Edu, are not on the Asian Games roster.

The EBN also listed Chot Reyes and Tim Cone as head coach and assistant coach.

In a previous DAILY TRIBUNE story, Asian Games chief of mission Richard Gomez doubts if they will be allowed to replace their roster.

"The HAGOC won't be accepting late entries," Gomez said, adding that the Chinese are very strict when it comes to deadlines.

"They can accept substitutions only if someone on the list is injured. But even then, it will not be granted easily."

The SBP and Philippine Basketball Association are expected to announce the final lineup for Hangzhou on Thursday