It's a go for Philippines in Asian Games
MANILA, Philippines — The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas said with finality that the Philippines will be joining the Asiad set in Indonesia this month.
“The SBP’s very happy to announce that we will compete in the Asian Games,” Al Panlilio, the country’s federation, said during a press briefing Sunday night, ahead of Gane Five of PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
Six Rain or Shine comprise the core of the roster: Maverick Ahanmisi, Gabe Norwood, James Yap, Beau Belga, Chris, Raymond Almazan, and Gilas pioneer Chris Tiu.
Six more from varying teams round out the pro pool. They are San Miguel Beer rookie Christian Standhardinger, Magnolia’s Paul Lee, GlobalPort’s Stanley Pringle, Blackwater’s JP Erram, TNT’s Don Trollano and grizzled veteran Asi Taulava.
Yeng Guiao, who coached steered the Elasto Painters to two PBA titles, will be commandeering the squad. He will be reinforced by Rain or Shine’s current chief tactician in Caloy Garcia.
Two youngsters in Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero — both committed to the UP Fighting Maroons — are also part of the selection from which the final 12 will be selected.
Vargas along with Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Willie Marcial noted that “avid fans” in Bong Go and foreign affairs Sec. Alan Peter Cayetano were instrumental in making the development happen.
“Pinuntahan ako ni Bong kagabi, sinabi ko ‘yung situation, tapos ‘yun na po, nagka-sunod-sunod ‘yung mga pangyayari,” the league chieftain shared.
“Bukas po magtatrabho na po kami. ‘Yung mga players ngayon lang nila nalaman pero pagtatrabahuin na namin sila bukas. We’re on our way on preparing no matter how short the time is,” Guiao said.
Vargas, Panlilio, Guiao and Garcia were joined by SBP’s executive director Sonny Barrios, San Miguel Corporation’s sports director Alfrancis Chua, team governors Robert Non, Mamerto Mondragon, Bobby Rosales, Erick Arejola and Siliman Sy.
Yeng added that he will be making the cut before the team’s departure for Jakarta on August 14.
“The e-mail, we sent just (it) this afternoon, and they are allowing us entry again. The next hurdle now is for the (final) list. They want us there so we will go there,” Vargas said of the situation with Indonesia Asian Games 2018 Organizing Committee.
“So we have achieved two things: we now have a competitive team and the clamor, too,” Vargas added. “Officially back tayo.”
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