FIBA-Asia U-tiff to push through on Aug. 19

MANILA, Philippines – The FIBA-Asia Under-18 Championship will proceed as planned from Aug. 19 to 28 in Doha, Qatar.

Phl national youth coach Jamike Jarin on Friday said he was informed by the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas that the event that was postponed the day before will proceed as scheduled.

"SBP just told me today it will push through," said Jarin, who is leaving on Wednesday to coach another national youth squad for the FIBA U-17 World Championship from Aug 6-16 in Dubai.

FIBA-Asia secretary-general Hagop Khajirian made the announcement the day before host Qatar has pulled out without citing reasons for its last-minute decision.

And now Qatar has changed its mind again.

The Doha-bound team, called "Batang Gilas," will be reinforced by Los Angeles Cathedral standout Kobe Paras, son of former PBA Rookie MVP Benjie.

Paras was expected to arrive Friday after getting clearance from Cathedral in California a week ago.