Bong Go said he would be sad if Gilas will not be in the Asian Games. PBA Media Bureau (file photo) |
QUEZON CITY--Bong Go confirmed that he intervened in reviving the plans to send a Philippine team to the Asian Games men's basketball competition in Jakarta starting on Aug. 14.
"Sayang po kasi ang pagkakataon pag pinalampas natin. Nakapanghihinayang po kasi na walang kakatawan sa Pilipinas sa basketball competition ng Asian Games lalo nasa puso ng halos bawat Pilipino ang larong basketball," the special assistant to President Rodrigo Duterte said in a statement on Sunday, moments after reports surfaced that Gilas will make a return to the quadrennial meet a week and a half after the SBP made a shock announcement that the team will not anymore play in the Indonesian capital.
[Related Story: SBP suddenly pulls Gilas out of Asian Games]
The last national team setup that was made before the surprise pullout will still take place, that is, Rain Or Shine will make up the core of the national team along with key players from other teams and the Gilas Cadets. NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao will spearhead the squad with ROS gaffer Caloy Garcia being the deputy.
The SBP and the PBA board will hold a press conference later Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to formally announce that Gilas will be back in the Asiad.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
[Related Story: SBP suddenly pulls Gilas out of Asian Games]
The last national team setup that was made before the surprise pullout will still take place, that is, Rain Or Shine will make up the core of the national team along with key players from other teams and the Gilas Cadets. NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao will spearhead the squad with ROS gaffer Caloy Garcia being the deputy.
The SBP and the PBA board will hold a press conference later Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to formally announce that Gilas will be back in the Asiad.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno