RoS ready to play in Asiad

Rain or Shine could be the country’s representative in the men’s basketball competition of the 18th Asian Games following the suspension imposed by FIBA on Gilas Pilipinas.

Team owner Raymond Yu confirmed that Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Willie Marcial reached out to ask him if the Elasto Painters are ready to fill the void created by the suspension of five of the 12 members of the squad headed for the quadrennial tourney in Jakarta next month.

“Every time there’s a chance for Rain or Shine to play for flag and country, we’re always okay. We’ve been very supportive,” said Yu, who has been helping the national team program even when they were still in the amateur ranks.

Talks between Marcial and Yu came in the wake of massive suspensions imposed on Gilas Pilipinas players following a nasty brawl with Australia in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier early this month.

Talk ‘N Text stalwarts Terrence Romeo, Jayson Castro, Troy Rosario and Roger Pogoy were among those who got suspended as well as head coach Chot Reyes, assistant Jong Uichico and naturalized player Andray Blatche.

Although Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas clarified that the Asian Games is not covered by the FIBA sanction, SBP president Al Panlilio remains unsure if they will still send a team to redeem their seventh-place finish in Incheon in 2014.

“I think we have to know if we can come up with a competitive team,” said Panlilio, who will reach out to the Philippine Olympic Committee to seek advice.

“Because if you go there without a competitive team, it’s going to be an embarrassment.”

Yu added that the agreement is not yet cast in stone.

“There’s no concrete agreement yet but the PBA approached us if we could provide the bulk of the players for the Asian Games. There are still details that we need to iron out,” Yu said.

Nevertheless, Yu assured their willingness and readiness should the league finally give the green light to the Elasto Painters.

“Yes, we’re willing but you have to understand the high level of competition in Asian Games. We’re worried. So if we’re going to go there, we want a competitive team, a team we will be proud of,” Yu said.

Meanwhile, former national players also declared willingness to don Gilas Pilipinas jersey.

Greg Slaughter led the cast of players who are willing to step up.

“I’m ready and just waiting to be in the national team. I hope to be there again,” he said.

Former Gilas sniper Jeff Chan as well as slotmen Raymond Almazan and Beau Belga also assured their readiness should they get another national team call up.

“I’m always ready, 100 percent,” said Almazan.

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