(Eagle News)—The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is sending a Philippine team to the Asian Games after all.
SBP and Philippine Basketball Association officials confirmed this in a press conference over the weekend.
In a statement, Special Assistant to the President Bong Go said the decision was the result of his talks with the PBA and SBP “na kapwa naman maluwag na kinonsidera ang gusto natin na magpadala ng koponan sa nasabing palaro.”
“Sayang po kasi ang pagkakataon pag pinalampas natin,” he said.
“Maaasahan ng Philippine delegates sa Asian Games ang buong suporta ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Andito kami para suportahan ang mga manlalarong Pilipino na magdadala ng karangalan sa ating bansa,” he added.
Initial lineup
Coach Yeng Guiao said the final twelve will be determined prior to the Asian Games, but the initial lineup includes Maverick Ahanmisi, Raymond Almazan, Beau Belga, JP Erram, Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero, Stanley Pringle, Christian Standhardinger, Asi Taulava, Chris Tiu, Don Trollano, and James Yap.
Earlier, the SBP said it would not send a delegation to the games after FIBA sanctioned Gilas Pilipinas over a brawl it had with the Australian Boomers in a World Cup qualifier last month.