New Asiad format may burden Smart Gilas

MANILA—The expected format change in the basketball competitions of the Guangzhou Asian Games following the withdrawal of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait could hurt the medal chances of the Smart Gilas national team.   But RP head coach Rajko Toroman welcomes the development as an opportunity for the three PBA players to adjust to his system some more.   “We can’t spend our energy thinking about the format. We have to be ready with whatever they will throw at us,” said Toroman.      “If the organizers add more games in the preliminary round, then we can use it as an adjustment period for the PBA players,” he added.      Smart Gilas will suit up for the Asiad power forward Kelly Williams, guard Sol Mercado and man-mountain Asi Taulava, who were loaned by the pro league and their mother ballclubs.      With Saudi Arabia and Kuwait out, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Noli Eala said Fiba Asia may divide the seven teams, that will include the Filipinos, in the preliminary round into two groups with each squad playing two to three games before advancing to the second round.      “It will be a big handicap for us. By the time we play the more important games, our players are already tired and weary. There’s also a risk of getting injured,” said Eala.   Eala stressed that Smart Gilas could play a maximum of 11 games in 15 days, including one in the medal round.   The countries left in the preliminary round after Saudi and Kuwait backed out are Mongolia, Hong Kong, Turkmenistan, India, Afghanistan, North Korea and the Philippines.       Toroman said the PBA players have been practicing with the team thrice a week at the most and a longer format will give them more time to blend with the Smart Gilas regulars.   “We have enough quality players who know the system. I know it’s tough for them (PBA players) playing for their mother teams in the morning and practicing with us in the evening,” said Toroman.      “But the PBA players should adjust and get used to the system,” he added.   Originally, Smart Gilas was scheduled to meet Saudi in a knockout game in the first round with the winner advancing to the second round where qualifiers Iran, Qatar, Chinese Taipei and Japan are seeded.   Kuwait was tapped as replacement when Saudi withdrew but the Kuwaitis later backed out as well.