Player-agent Danny Espiritu, head of the delegation for the trip to Israel, said it was all systems go for the exhibition but the Israeli ministry notified them "not to hold the games in Israel for security reasons."
"Our trip was cancelled. It was something that was already beyond our control. We did everything we could, but apparently nagbago yung decision ng Israeli government. In fact, we were just waiting for the confirmation before nangyari ito," said Espiritu.
Espiritu said the bigger problem now is how he could raise $4,400, since they will have to pay the penalty slapped by the Thai Airlines on the delegation for failing to leave the country.
"Paying that amount is the next big problem. Kasi dadating dito young eroplano (Thai Airlines) eh wala namang sakay," he added.
Sta. Lucia, which annexed its first-ever PBA crown via a 4-2 victory over San Miguel Beer in the 2001 Governors Cup, was scheduled to leave last Jan. 2 together with Spring Oil.
Spring Oil, which reigned supreme in the 2001 National Open Basketball Championships after toppling Korea-Sangmu in the finals, was to be reinforced by two former PBA best imports — Bobby Parks and Kenny Travis.
Parks, a seven-time Best Import awardee, beefed up Spring Oil in its title conquest in the National Open. On the other hand, Travis won his lone Best Import plum in the PBA after steering San Miguel to a 4-1 victory over Swift Mighty Meaty in 1993 Governors Cup.
Meanwhile, Spring Oil is in the process of firming up its roster in time for this year’s South East Asia Basketball Association’s men’s championships scheduled this March.
Last year, the Philippines, bannered by the MBA players, clobbered the opposition, including Thailand in the finals, to bag the championship.