A SIMPLE but vital procedural matter could leave the national team’s participation in the Guangzhou Asian Games in peril.
The Philippine Olympic Committee has given the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas until 5 p.m. today to submit its roster. If the SBP doesn’t comply, the POC may be forced to scratch the team for the Guangzhou Games set on Nov. 12-27.
"They have to be responsible. If they don’t submit (the lineup) by Wednesday, it means they’re not interested (to play in the Asian Games)," said screening committee member Moying Martelino in yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Shakey’s UN Ave.
Martelino, a member of the POC working committee, said he has repeatedly informed Gilas team manager Frankie Lim of the POC-imposed deadline of Sept. 15 for the submission of the official lineups. But the former secretary-general of the Asian Basketball Confederation added he has heard nothing from Lim since the latter asked for an extension until Sept. 19.
"Today is the 21st but I haven’t received anything. They should be responsible enough for us not to remind them everyday," said Martelino.
The SBP has already submitted 18 names for accreditation to the Guangzhou Asiad, among them Asi Taulava and Kelly Williams whose participation was approved by the pro league last Monday. The third PBA player in the list, James Yap, has begged off.
With the deadline set by Guangzhou organizers just nine days away, the POC wants the SBP to submit the final 12-man lineup today.
"They’re not the only ones we’re handling for the Asian Games. There are 30 other sports. It’s now up to them. Tomorrow is the deadline. Beyond that we can’t do anything. I’m fed up," Martelino said in the public service program backed by Shakey’s, Pagcor and Outlast Battery.
"If they don’t want to submit their final lineup, there’s nothing we can do. If you don’t want to submit your lineup, what does that mean? It means you’re not interested to join," he added.
Also in the forum were RP team chief of mission Joey Romasanta and Clarito Samson, a member of the working committee.
"The absolute deadline for the basketball team is tomorrow (today)," said Romasanta, adding that as of yesterday 235 athletes already make up the national roster for the Asiad.
Romasanta said the RP women’s basketball team is practically out of the Asiad because the only way it can qualify is if it wins the Seaba tournament on Oct. 24-29 in Manila.
The basketball draw, however, is set on Oct. 7. If the country fields a team in women’s basketball and eventually pulls out, the POC will face heavy sanctions from organizers.
"How can you postpone the draw? Besides, it’s not only the basketball groupings that will be drawn on Oct. 7 but all the other team events," said Martelino.
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