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MANILA, Philippines — Gilas-Pilipinas’ buildup for the coming Fiba-Asia championship takes a huge blow as the Philippine team gets “un-invited” to the 2013 Jones Cup in Taipei, according to head coach Chot Reyes.
Reyes said that the tension between the Philippines and Taiwan following the May 9 killing of a Taiwanese fisherman by the Philippine Coast Guard was the reason behind it.
“Just got word from d organizers that we have been un-invited to d Jones Cup. Di matapos-tapos problema ng Gilas ha,” Reyes posted on his Twitter account.
Reyes added: “We now have to find a replacement tournament as d Jones Cup is such an integral part of our preparation.”
The Nationals are supposed to defend their title they won over team USA last year.