With the PBA lending its players for the national cause once again, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas saw the move as a strong indicator of support.
SBP Vice-president Al Panlilio said the PBA action was a “strong signal support for the Gilas team” as the league released 17 players to form the pool for Gilas Pilipinas’ last run at the Olympics berth.
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Included in the pool are two-time MVP June Mar Fajardo and Asia’s best point guard Jason Castro.
“We’re confident that because of this resolution, we will be able to participate,” Panlilio said.
PBA Chairman Robert Non cleared the PBA team owners do not have a problem with the lending of players.
READ: PBA commits support for Gilas, releases 17-man pool for Olympic Wildcard
“We don’t have a problem with this, at the team owners’ end, it will be up to the players,” Non said.
To ensure the participation of the players, an ad hoc committee composed of three PBA Governors Patrick Gregorio of Talk N’ Text, Atty. Mamerto Mondragon of Rain or Shine, Alfrancis Chua of Ginebra and league Commissioner Chito Narvasa has been formed.
Panlilio said competing in the Olympic qualifier, where powerhouse nations from other continents, will be a tall order, but with the help from the league, the SBP has the confidence to tackle the task at hand.
“It will be a very difficult task to compete there but I think if we have full support of the PBA as we have shown in the board resolution, it gives the SBP more confidence to go all out and make sure we can compete,” Panlilio said.