Douthit, Alapag in; Blatche out: Gilas Pilipinas ASIAD bound

MANILA, Philippines -  The Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee stood firm on its decision to block Andray Blatche’s entry to the Philippine team for the Asian Games but allowed Marcus Douthit to come in as a replacement, along with Jimmy Alapag who’s taking over from the injury-hit Jayson Castro.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, through the representation of Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia and SBP consultant Moying Martelino, also got an extra concession from the IAGOC, allowing them another change in their lineup during the team managers meeting on Sept. 19.

With these words from Incheon last night, SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan declared Gilas Pilipinas will compete in the Asian Games.

“It’s not bad,” said SBP vice chairman Ricky Vargas on the news they heard from Garcia and Martelino.

“The players have been in a long journey and they want to play. Majority of the Filipino people want us to play. And so Mr. MVP said ‘laban,’” said Vargas.

The SBP officials believe Gilas Pilipinas also stands a good chance to win a medal with Douthit, the original Gilas naturalized player who’ve been into two FIBA Asia Championships.

“Douthit’s long been with Gilas. He’s been practicing with the team even with the entry of Andray Blatche. Douthit brings chemistry to the team,” said Vargas.

The SBP people thought with their strong message sent to the Olympic Council of Asia leadership, they’re able to get an acceptable compromise with IAGOC.

“They stood pat on their decision, saying Blatche is definitely out. But they softened a bit through the representation of Richie (Garcia) and Moying (Martelino) plus the letter of appeal of MVP,” said Vargas.

“I think the compromise is good. We’re afraid Douthit would not be allowed,” Vargas also said.

The SBP vice chair said they were really seriously considering to withdraw their participation from the Asiad.

“If not for the players and their confidence, we would have second thoughts (on joining),” Vargas pointed out.

Other possible changes in the lineup could be made with injuries to Marc Pingris and Paul Lee.

“If they say they’re okay, then baka wala ng palitan,” said Vargas.

Ranidel de Ocampo, Junmar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Gabe Norwood, Jeff Chan, Gary David, LA Tenorio and Jared Dillinger are the other players in the lineup of the team that will try to improve on the sixth-place finish of Team Phl in Guangzhou, China in 2010.

The country has not won an Asiad basketball medal of any color since the Philippine Centennial Team, under coach Tim Cone, copped the bronze in the 1998 Bangkok Games.

 Meanwhile, something positive could come out of the disbarment of Blatche from the national team, according to Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.

“It might be enough para kilitiin ang (to tickle our) players,” said Cojuangco.

“Baka lalo sila ganahan at ma-challenge (It could fire them up).”

Blatche became a naturalized Filipino last June and played for Gilas in the ongoing FIBA World Cup in Spain where the team made heads turn despite its 1-4 (won-lost) record.

All along, Gilas hoped that Blatche, who played for the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA, could lead them in their bid to win a medal in this year’s Asian Games.

One thing that will go for Gilas is Douthit’s familiarity with the Gilas system. In August last year, he helped Gilas finish second behind Iran in the FIBA Asia Championship.

That strong runner-up finish, highlighted by a historic win over South Korea, gave Gilas a ticket to the FIBA World Cup where Blatche came into the picture.

Cojuangco said as long as Douthit is allowed to play, as a replacement for Blatche or any player on the injured list, the Philippines will have a legitimate chance.

“After all, si Douthit naman ang nagdala sa atin sa (it was Douthit who brought us to the) World Cup. So, why not?” the POC president added. – With report from Abac Cordero