Barrios says SBP will appeal Fiba sanctions

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas will appeal the decision of world cage body Fiba regarding 10 Gilas Pilipinas players with the next games in the World Qualifying tournament fast approaching.

Executive director Sonny Barrios confirmed this on Friday, saying “definitely we will appeal the decision and we will do so before the deadline” set on Aug. 14 by Fiba.

Gilas’ next game is slated Sept. 13 in Iran before playing Qatar at home four days later.

Only three players in the Gilas lineup—June Mar Fajardo, Gabe Norwood and Baser Amer—avoided sanctions from Fiba as a result of the ugly brawl vs Australia at Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

Naturalized player Andray Blatche was canned for three games and Calvin Abueva drew the longest suspension with six.

Fiba also slapped a fine worth more than P13 million on the SBP and more than P500,000 on coach Chot Reyes even as it scheduled the Filipinos’ next home game, against Qatar, behind closed doors.

After the suspensions, the SBP withdrew from the Asian Games slated this month.