Adalem picks Gilas PH as top Asiad gold hope

With the preparation for the Incheon Asian Games coming to a close, a Task Force Asiad official yesterday said the Gilas Pilipinas quintet is the brightest gold medal prospect for Team Philippines.

Task Force member Dr. Ernest Jay Adalem noted that the presence of Brooklyn Nets slotman Andray Blatche makes the PH basketball team a top contender in the quadrennial event slated Sept. 19-Oct. 4.

“Without downplaying the chances of traditional gold medal hopes like taekwondo, I think Gilas should be our centerpiece (prospect) in the Asian Games,” said Adalem, who is also the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas treasurer.

Adalem said he sees no problem with Blatche being allowed by the Incheon Asiad officials despite the late submission of his  credential requirement, but hopes that the naturalized Filipino will play with the same intensity he is expected to show in the World Cup in Madrid which precedes the Asiad.

He said windsurfing can also pull a major upset considering that the country will be represented by world champion veterans led by titlist Geylord Coveta.

Meanwhile, Southeast Asian Games long jump record holder and former Asian champion Marestella Torres yesterday left for Hong Kong in a bid to justify her inclusion in Incheon.

Taking a long break to give birth to her first-born son, the 33-year-old Torres needs to match 6.37 meters to gain entry to Team Philippines, according to the Philippine Sports Commission technical team. The distance is equal to a top five finish in the Asiad.