National team out of world tourney

Even if the FIBA suspension on the Philippines is lifted in the near future, there’s no way for the Filipino cagers to compete in the World Championship in Saitama, Japan next year.

FIBA officials ruled out the possibility of a wildcard berth being given to the Philippines for the coming world joust although they stressed they would love to see Filipino cagers regaining their place on the international stage.

Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Robert Aventajado explored the possibility of a wildcard berth for the Philippines during their meeting with FIBA secretary-general Patrick Baumann and FIBA international relations and development manager Zoran Radovic in Switzerland last week.

"They said it’s been filled up," said Aventajado quoting Radovic during their meeting.

Aventajado explained though that FIBA gave the country a March 31 deadline for the formation of a new cage body so that it can have enough time to prepare for the qualifier for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"They were the ones who said let’s have the 2008 Olympics as target. They said let’s help the Philippines qualify for the 2008 Olympics," said Aventajado.

China, Lebanon and Qatar finished 1-2-3 in the Asian meet and made it to the world meet as Asian representatives.

Actually, the Philippines also appealed for a provisional lifting of its suspension by the FIBA so that it can hold the sport in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games.

"They turned it down because they wanted a lasting solution to our problem," said Aventajado. — Nelson Beltran