PBA offers players to SBP

The Philippine Basketball Association offered its entire pool of players in the wake of the suspension handed by FIBA to members of Gilas Pilipinas.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said members of the PBA board of governors made their respective players available when Gilas Pilipinas marches to the second round of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier against Qatar on Sept. 17.

He refused to name names, but hinted that stars like Vic Manuel, LA Tenorio, Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot, Greg Slaughter, Christian Standhardinger and Raymund Almazan may all be given a call-up.

“We will not run out of players. We’re making all our players available,” said Marcial, who expressed sadness over the FIBA decision where suspensions were handed to players and coaches aside from the hefty fine on the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

“We’re sad that all the hard work of Gilas Pilipinas will be wasted as some of them won’t be allowed to play in their next few games. We know that SBP is in a very challenging situation and this is our way to help the national team program.”

A total of 10 players were penalized with Calvin Abueva getting assessed with a six-game suspension while Roger Pogoy, Carl Cruz and Jio Jalalon will be suspended for five games.

Terrence Romeo, Andray Blatche, Jason Castro and Troy Rosario will sit out in the next three games while Matthew Wright and Japeth Aguilar will be suspended for one-game each.

Marcial, however, stressed that although the SBP has a free hand to choose whoever it wishes, the players should also agree to play for Gilas Pilipinas.

“Of course, the players must also agree,” he said. “But as far as the PBA is concerned, we’re making all our players available for Gilas Pilipinas.” JCM

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