Don't fret yet, Filipino basketball fans.
A Philippine team to the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia may still be a reality.
Richard Gomez, the country’s Chef De Mission to the Asiad, on Tuesday said technically, the cage team remains very much part of the meet’s competition since the Philippine Olympic Committee has yet to send a formal communication to the Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee regarding the decision of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to pull out of the Aug. 18 to Sept. 2 showcase.
Hopefully, Gomez said the SBP led by president Al Panlilio, will still reconsider on its resolve not to send a team.
“Puwede pa kasi hindi pa tayo official na nagpapadala ng withdrawal sa Asian Games. Nasa level pa lang natin,” said Gomez during a special session of the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Athletes Lounge inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“We never know baka in the coming days magbago ang isip nila, wait and see lang muna tayo,” he added in the public sports program supported by San Miguel Corporation, Tapa King, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. “But the Asian Games, at least sa level natin, is not yet closing the door na hindi tayo magpapadala ng team. We’re still hoping na may maipapasok pa rin tayo.”
Last week, the SBP announced it is skipping competing in the Asiad, saying the ‘time and chance to participate in the 2018 Asian Games would not be optimal,’ despite PBA ballclub Rain or Shine is just waiting on the wings to represent the country.
Instead, the federation said focus will now on the country’s bid for the ongoing FIBA World Cup qualifiers and the hosting of the 2023 World Cup here.
The last-minute decision caught everybody by surprise, including Gomez.
“The Asian Games is as important as the World Cup and is as important as the Southeast Asian Games. Maybe the SEA Games is not a stronger competition than the Asiad. The fact that we have team, you have to represent basketball in the Asian Games,” Gomez stressed.
“Parang unspoken commitment natin ‘yun, not only for the NSA but for the Filipino people,” said the Philippine Fencing Association head and current Ormoc City mayor. “If you’re gunning for the World Cup, manalo muna tayo sa Asian Games. Go for the smaller apple first, then let’s get the big apple next.”
But should the SBP decide to have a change of heart, Gomez said the federation has to act quickly as the POC will have no choice but to formally withdraw the basketball entry during the Aug. 9 delegation registration in Jakarta.
“Dapat by Wednesday (next week) finalize na ‘yun,” he said.
Still, the actor-sportsman would respect the SBP move if its decision would be final.
“It’s sad for Philippine basketball fans na hindi tayo magpapadala ng basketball team sa Asian Games. Even if I’m the chef de mission, as much as gusto kong magpadala ng team, kung wala namang ibibigay ‘yung NSA, wala akong magagawa,” he added. “But again, that’s the decision, tanggapin na lang natin siguro na ganun.”