THE decision to pull out of the Asian Games came just hours after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Inc. (SBP) announced it was coordinating with the Cleveland Cavaliers so Jordan Clarkson could see action for Gilas in the Asian Games.
Basketball legend Ramon Fernandez said he was puzzled by Gilas Pilipinas sudden pullout from the Asian Games but also admitted that he was also relieved since their non-participation would mean the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) can also save some money.
Fernandez, one of the commissioners of the PSC, is involved in the country's participation in the Asian Games.
"Actually, I have two perspectives. In the part of the PSC, it's a relief since there's not much money for the Asian Games and we can actually saved with this. Ever since, we had criteria in the Asian Games, to send only the medal contenders. If this was the SEA Games, ok lang (it's just okay), since it's just a barangay-level event," said Fernandez, who was part of the 1990 and 1974 Philippine teams to the Asian Games.
Fernandez pointed out that Gilas Pilipinas finished seventh in the last Asian Games and based on their criteria, would not have qualified.
However, as a basketball fan, Fernandez admits he was a bit disappointed.
"Laban kung laban man kaya ila ang mantra. Asa naman ang puso?" he said, while jokingly adding, "Gisagol na lang sa lechon?"
Fernandez added that he is puzzled by the decision.
"If you read their statement, lisud sabton ang reason. We can only speculate the real reason," he said.
The SBP announcement came just hours after its president Al Panlilio announced they were under negotations with the Cleveland Cavaliers for Jordan Clarkson's release for the Asian Games. He made the announcement in a press conference, where he also officially announced Yeng Guiao would be leading a Rain or Shine bannered team to the Asian Games.
Hours later, the SBP released a statement, saying, "To allow our national team and our organization to regroup, prepare for the process of appealing the Fiba Disciplinary Panel's recent decision.....we have reached the conclusion that with the forgoing considered and after consulting with the basketball community, the time and chance to participate in the 2018 Asian Games would not be optimal."
SBP Statement PDF by Sun.Star Philippine news on Scribd
