ALLAN THE MAN

The Philippines will still roll out the red carpet for the Taiwan basketball team which will compete in the FIBA Asia championship in August despite a decision made by Jones Cup organizers not to invite the Gilas Pilipinas to defend its title.

This was assured by Philippine sports officials even as the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA) announced yesterday that it has no plans of quitting the FIBA tournament which serves as the qualifier for the World Championship in Spain next year.

“Chinese Taipei will join, it’s a regular FIBA-Asia tournament,” said the CTBA source who asked not to be named as he is not authorized to disclose CTBA decisions.

Filipino basketball officials were shocked by the sudden decision of the Jones Cup organizers Monday not to invite the national team although an earlier letter had been sent reminding the Philippines of the May 31 deadline to submit its lineup.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Renauld “Sonny” Barrios confirmed yesterday that Chinese Taipei will participate in the FIBA-Asia event.

Barrios also accepted the explanation of Taiwan organizers not to invite the Philippines because of safety concerns.

“The organizers wrote us that it is better we don’t join for our own safety. The letter is apologetic and diplomatic in tone,” said Barrios.

PBA Commissioner Chito Salud, who is in Hong Kong, said that Gilas Pilipinas should not be depressed with the Jones Cup issue.

“Unfortunate as it is, we need to move forward. We need to stay strong. We need to stay focused. Nothing has changed – we control our destiny. We will not be deterred in our quest to perform well in the coming FIBA-Asia Championship which our country will host,” said Salud.

Gilas officials, led by coach Chot Reyes and several members of the national team, have accepted the reality that a title defense is out of the question.

They are now looking for a suitable replacement to prepare for the Jones Cup which would have been a perfect tuneup for the FIBA championship.

“It would have been great to have an opportunity to defend the title in the Jones Cup,” said veteran guard Jimmy Alapag. “But it’s out of our control. The coaching staff is now looking at other options for the team. We are all staying positive though, just keeping our focus on our preparations.”

“Malaki effect nun samin kasi yun talaga for me important na tune-up before the FIBA-Asia eh. But looking at the positive side baka mapaganda pa sa amin. For sure may Plan B naman ang coaching staff,” said LA Tenorio, who won the Jones Cup MVP last year.

For Gabe Norwood, not playing in the Jones Cup could also be a blessing in disguise.

“As much as we’d like to see more of our competition, maybe it’s a good thing that they don’t get to scout us much either. For now we have to stay optimistic and have faith in the program that we’ll find games to make for Jones Cup,” said Norwood.

According to Gary David, Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes already mentioned several possible tournaments, including an invitational event in Japan or a summer camp in Las Vegas, USA in July, probably a month before the FIBA-Asia.

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