Martelino smells something fishy

MANILA, Philippines - The ball is now in the hands of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee (IAGOC) whether or not Andray Blatche can play for Gilas Pilipinas in Incheon.

And Moying Martelino, former secretary-general of the Asian Basketball Confederation and now consultant of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, can only keep his fingers crossed.

“If OCA says they have their own rules then there’s nothing we can do,” said Martelino over the phone yesterday morning.

Just a few hours earlier, the SBP received a copy of a FIBA letter addressed to the Asian Games organizers, questioning why Blatche has been declared ineligible to play in the Asian Games.

Blatche is a naturalized Filipino who just saw action for Gilas in the FIBA World Cup in Spain.

The FIBA letter said that if Blatche was allowed to play in the FIBA World Cup then why is he being prevented from playing in the Asian Games?

“It is quite confusing to hear that he is now not allowed to compete for the same team just a few weeks later,” said FIBA secretary-general Patrick Bauhmann in the letter.

“That’s it,” said Martelino, adding that the FIBA letter also states that FIBA is the one that establishes the eligibility criteria for players wanting to represent a country in events like the Olympics, FIBA World Cup or the Asian Games.

Martelino said it seems that the Incheon organizers are firm in declaring Blatche ineligible, citing an article that requires such player a three-year residency before he is allowed to play in the Asian Games.

“Sulat na ng FIBA yan eh that Blatche be allowed to play,” said Martelino.

“Now, will OCA agree to the statement and position of FIBA? Yan na ang sinabi ng FIBA eh. Yung rules ng (IAGOC) medyo magulo. Many things can happen now,” he added.

The Filipino basketball official said there’s something fishy in this issue.

“Parang pinag-tutulungan tayo eh,” he said.

“They all saw in Spain what Blatche can do.  Nakita nila eh. Kaya sa buong delegation natin, si Blatche na lang ang ayaw nila palaruin,” he said.

Martelino is hoping for the best.

“I just hope that whatever the decision is, it doesn’t come when it’s too late,” he said.