‘Competitive’ PH team bound for Asian Games

Yeng Guiao will coach the Philippine team bound for Indonesia for the 2018 Asian Games. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas said the fans were a big factor in the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ change of heart to push through in its initial plan of sending a representative in the 2018 Asian Games.

“We realized that there was a huge clamor from our basketball fans and since we’re the house of basketball, we need to really take a look at that clamor,” said Vargas in a press conference Sunday night before Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals tipped off at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Vargas added that Alfrancis Chua, the San Miguel Corporation Sports Director, suggested that team owners to lend their players for the national team.

“This is not just a team, but this is a competitive team,” said Vargas. “We’re sending a team that the people will be proud of and will watch in the Asian Games.”

Rain or Shine’s Maverick Ahanmisi, Chris Tiu, Gabe Norwood, James Yap, Beau Belga, and Raymond Almazan will comprise the core of the national team that will fly to Indonesia.

Globalport’s Stanley Pringle, Magnolia’s Paul Lee, Blackwater’s JP Erram, TNT’s Don Trollano, San Miguel’s Christian Standhardinger, and NLEX’ Asi Taulava are all part of the team with Gilas cadets Ricci Rivero and Kobe Paras also included in the initial 14-man lineup.

Yeng Guiao, who will be the head coach of the team, said there’s always pressure with being a national team coach but at the same time is a proud moment for anyone who will be given with the opportunity.

“There’s always a pressure when you play and coach the national team, but this is also a sacrifice and also a service to the country,” said Guiao, who was the Philippines’ head coach in 2008 and 2009 when they gunned for a spot in the 2010 World Championship.

“We don’t mind as long as we can make our countrymen who love basketball happy. We will represent the country to the best of our ability,” added Guiao.

The SBP first finalized its plans for the Asian Games on July 26 but those were immediately scrapped before the night ended causing a public outrage that erupted across social media platforms.

The letter regarding the exit was also sent to the Olympic Council of Asia and the Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee on July 27.

Vargas, with a smile on his face, said the SBP’s letter to OCA and the Inasgoc about rejoining the Asian Games, which was sent on Sunday, was also approved.

“The email was sent today, and the OCA and Inasgoc are allowing us entry again,” said Vargas.

The SBP’s next “hurdle,” Vargas and SBP president Al Panlilio said, is to wait for OCA and Inasgoc to accredit Pringle, Lee, and Standhardinger to the Games.

And with the Philippines officially back in the Asian Games, Panlilio asked for the country’s support.

“My appeal to everybody is to just support the team, whatever happens,” said Panlilio. “We know that the team will try its best but I’m appealing to everybody to give their support.”

“Of course coach Yeng will always fight and not back out from any challenge,” added Panlilio.