Smart Gilas may get Kelly, Asi but not MVP James
MANILA, Philippines–THE PBA board is likely to to give in to the request of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan to release Coca-Cola center Asi Taulava and Talk ‘N Text forward Kelly Williams for national team duties in the Asian Games this November.
The development came as Derby Ace gunner James Yap is a virtual scratch from the list of possible PBA reinforcements for the Smart Gilas-Pilipinas after undergoing minor surgery as well as his lack of condition aggravated by personal problems.
The Inquirer learned that the board, under chair Rene Pardo, is scheduled to take up the issue at its annual meeting on Sept. 19 and the POC might make an exception to its Sept. 15 deadline for basketball’s final roster to include the two reinforcements.
The deadline set by Guangzhou Asian Games organizers for final rosters is on Sept. 30.
PBA commissioner Chito Salud felt board members “are willing to listen to the plea of Mr. Pangilinan.
“So long as it would not be prejudicial to the interests of the league they’re willing to accommodate as in the case of Asi Taulava when he was borrowed by the SBP for the Stankovic Cup,” Salud added.
Salud said the PBA has “set guidelines on this and the players themselves have to be agreeable.”
Yap won the Most valuable Player award in the past PBA season, but his condition is suspect because of a minor surgery. He is also currently sorting out marital woes and may not be up to the task of representing the country.
Salud said that the program of Smart Gilas “is a young program and if it needs help when help is truly needed, the PBA is there.”
Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman earlier said it would boost the RP squad’s chances in the Asiad if Yap, Taulava and Williams reinforce the team.
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