Gilas Asiad stint suddenly in the balance

MANILA, Philippines – Because of the Philippine-Australia brawl in the World Cup qualifier, the Philippines suddenly faces a predicament in its participation in the 2018 Asian Games men’s basketball competition in Indonesia with the possible suspension of a number of Gilas players.

“The host Indonesian federation has called. They’re concerned with our participation. Hopefully, the FIBA considers our participation there. Hopefully, (the decision) will not affect our participation in the Asian Games,” said Philippine Olympic Committee secretary general Patrick Gregorio in a press conference at the PBA office in Libis, Quezon City Thursday night.

Deadline for submission of the final 12 to the Asiad is done, with the Philippines naming Gilas veterans Jayson Castro, RR Pogoy, Troy Rosario, Terrence Romeo and Andray Blatche to lead the roster featuring the core of TNT KaTropa team plus Gilas cadets Kobe Paras, Abu Tratter and Ricci Rivero.

Jericho Cruz, Don Trollano, Anthony Semerad and Kelly Williams complete the cast.

Castro, Pogoy, Rosario, Romeo and Blatche, however, all face possible FIBA sanctions for their part in their fracas with the Aussies.

Gilas may have no problem in the next windows of the FIBA WC qualifiers, with PBA commissioner Willie Marcial assuring their continued solid support to Team Phl.

“The PBA teams will continue to lend players to Gilas. If there will be suspensions, I’m sure our ball clubs will be willing to release replacements,” Marcial told The STAR.

The PBA commissioner stressed Gilas Pilipinas has the entire PBA player roster as pool of possible player replacements in case some Gilas players are meted suspension.

Calvin Abueva, Matthew Wright, Carl Bryan Cruz and Jio Jalalon may also be penalized by FIBA for their clear participation in the melee.

Meanwhile, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio is hoping the International Basketball Federation won’t be too harsh in the decision to be made on the incident.

FIBA has said it will “open disciplinary proceedings against both teams.”

While awaiting the FIBA sanction, the SBP and the Basketball Australia issued yesterday a joint statement, stressing their deep regret on the events that took place.

“We wish to apologize to the entire basketball community worldwide – and in particular to our fantastic fans in the Philippines and Australia – for the behavior displayed by both teams and for bringing the game of basketball into disrepute,” said in a statement signed by the SBP president and his Basketball Australia counterpart Ned Coten.

“We fully accept our responsibility and are collaborating in the ongoing proceedings to investigate the incidents. We will do everything in our power to prevent this from happening again. Basketball has a unique power to unite and we look forward to continuing bridging people together in the true spirit of friendship and sportsmanship in future games,” the statement added.

Panlilio hopes the Philippines’ hosting of the 2023 World Cup won’t be affected.

"I'm hoping that's not affected at all. I think we worked very hard to win the hosting. We've proven our worth," Panlilio said.

"I'm seeing some reports from the press from Australia that we should be suspended, it should be stripped from us, but it was quite unfair. I think this is a standalone situation that should be dealt with,” Panlilio pointed out.

“We have proven in the past, not only in sports: ASEAN, APEC, and all of that — we've hosted much bigger events in the Philippines and we've done it well, so hopefully the 2023, if FIBA looks at this at full context, appreciates the whole situation, I'm sure they will be fair in meting out any suspension — if ever, to both countries, to both countries' players,” he added.