PSC hits SBP over Asiad pullout

It’s now the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) turn to voice its displeasure over the sudden pullout of the national men’s basketball team form the 18th Asian Games that kicks off on 18 Aug. in Jakarta.

PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez yesterday said they didn’t hear any word from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) before it came up with a shocking decision of withdrawing its squad from the biggest, most prestigious athletic conclave in Asia.

The pullout was a major blow to the country’s bid for Asian glory.

Aside from being the most popular sport in the country, the men’s basketball team, collectively known as Gilas Pilipinas, is also very much qualified after winning the gold medal in the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur last year.

Unfortunately, five of the 12 players in its Asian Games roster got involved in the massive brawl with the Australian squad in a Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifier game last month, prompting the SBP to withdraw from the Games due to what it claimed as its failure “to assemble a competitive team.”

This development didn’t sit well with its partners.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), which is doing its best to craft a Plan B by deploying Rain or Shine to the Asian Games, claimed that the SBP pulled the plug without even consulting them.

Then, at least four members of the powerful Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) executive council revealed to Daily Tribune that they were unhappy over POC president Ricky Vargas’ move of supporting the SBP’s decision.

The board members said Vargas didn’t seek a consensus and made an action that courts fine and suspension from the Olympic Council of Asia, the continental body in-charge of the Asian Games.

Ramirez said SBP acted without their knowledge.

“There was no consultation and it was an SBP decision, Ramirez said in a short statement, adding that he doesn’t believe the SBP couldn’t form a competitive squad since basketball is considered as the national past time in the country.

“It is not true that we don’t have outstanding basketball players. The Philippines is a basketball country and the mass media and social media are very critical of the situation.”

Aside from Rain or Shine players, the PBA board of governors is also very much willing to release its players to make the squad more competitive.

Although reinforcements like Jordan Clarkson, Christian Standhardinger and Andray Blatche are not poised to make it due to the strict eligibility criteria, the SBP can still form a solid team by hiring PBA stars like Jeff Chan, Paul Lee and Greg Slaughter.

Still, the SBP was firm on its decision of not sending a team.

“The Philippines is very much qualified to play in the Asian Games,” said Ramirez, who earmarked P72 million for the country’s participation in the Asian Games.

“At the same time, the PBA can also help the SBP form a team.”

SBP chairman emeritus Manny Pangilinan stands by their “unpopular” decision, saying that the sanctions handed by Fiba due to the brawl prompted them to re-assess their plans and priorities.

And instead of the Asian Games, the SBP is now channeling its effort and resources on the World Cup in 2019 as well as its hosting of the prestigious tournament in 2023.