E Painters to take over Asiad task

MANILA, Philippines — Following the FIBA ruling on the Gilas-Australia brawl, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is now considering tapping Rain or Shine for the coming Asian Games in Indonesia instead of TNT KaTropa.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial has extended SBP’s offer to the ROS management, and team owners Raymond Yu and Terry Que have both expressed readiness to take over the Asiad task.

“Both Mr. Raymond Yu and Mr. Terry Que said yes. They said all their players and the coaches will be available to render duty to the national team,” Marcial told The STAR.

“But there’s no official appointment yet, and no official decision yet. SBP will make that decision,” Marcial also said.

Marcial said the TNT team itself is thinking of giving up the opportunity to represent the country in the Indonesia Asiad because of the suspension meted by FIBA on Gilas players, including Texters Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, Troy Rosario and RR Pogoy.

FIBA didn’t make mention of the Asian Games, but the Texters are apparently ready to give way to others.

Rain or Shine player Gabe Norwood, along with San Miguel Beer’s June Mar Fajardo and Meralco’s Baser Amer were spared of any sanction by the FIBA.

They were the three Gilas players left at the resumption of the Gilas-Australia match last July 2 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.