Candidates mulled to replace Blatche

MANILA, Philippines — SBP president Al Panlilio said yesterday the early candidates to replace the suspended Andray Blatche as Gilas’ naturalized player for the next three games in the FIBA Asia/Pacific qualifiers for the World Cup are Christian Standhardinger, Jordan Clarkson and Marcus Douthit but declined to comment on who would likely be called up until a decision is made on the composition of the interim coaching staff and lineup.

Panlilio said the SBP will seek clarification on certain issues raised in the 13-page FIBA report detailing the penalties on Gilas and Australia for their role in the July 2 brawl at the Philippine Arena then depending on the reply, will decide whether or not to make an appeal within 14 days from receipt of the sanctions. 

“While we accept FIBA’s decision and respect its authority, we’ve been given two weeks within which to make an appeal, if ever,” he said.  “At the moment, we’re thinking of straightening out a few facts so we’ll be sending a letter of clarification.  For instance, we’ve been ordered to play our next home game (Sept. 17 against Qatar) behind closed doors and in the memorandum, we were advised of a ban for two more home games under a probationary period of three years.  Does it mean after our next game, we can open the following two home games to the public but under close supervision?  Or will we play the next three home games behind closed doors?  Will we be allowed to televise the games behind closed doors?”

Panlilio said coach Chot Reyes was cited for “inciting unsportsmanlike behavior” and Calvin Abueva was singled out for instigating the warm-up altercation.  “Calvin didn’t start the warm-up bumping and Chot didn’t incite unsportsmanlike behavior,” he said.  “FIBA asked us to send an incident report before deciding on the sanctions and we complied at 7 p.m. Manila time last July 13.  We’ll definitely keep our options open but we’re not questioning FIBA’s sanctions.”

With Reyes suspended for one game and assistant coach Jong Uichico for three, Panlilio said the SBP will consult with the PBA on the choice of an interim head coach.  “Coach Tab (Baldwin) is busy with Ateneo,” he said.  “The PBA is very supportive of the SBP’s efforts to build a competitive national team.  Before we even talk of replacement players, we’ll decide Chot’s replacement in the Sept. 13 road game against Iran.  We expect the interim coach to choose his players.  We’re talking with PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and the Governors.  There are no more restrictions on how many players may come from a particular PBA team.  For as long as the Governors and the players themselves agree, we can rebuild our Gilas pool for the next qualifying window.”

Six games remain in Gilas’ schedule in the last three windows of the FIBA/Asia qualifiers – Iran on the road on Sept. 13, Qatar at home on Sept. 17, Kazakhstan at home on Nov. 30, Iran at home on Dec. 3, Qatar on the road on Feb. 21 and Kazakhstan on the road on Feb. 24.