By Walyon Galvez
After Rain or Shine management agreed to send its core to the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games this year, the ball is now in the hands of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) whether its amenable to it or not.
A source told the TEMPO that Rain or Shine management is still waiting for SBP president Al Panlilio to decide after the PBA offered the Elasto Painters to lead the formation of the national team in the Asian Games.
“We’re still waiting for the SBP,” said the source, who asked not to be named.
The decision, according to the same source, is important since the PBA board – chaired by TNT KaTropa’s Ricky Vargas – will meet tomorrow at the league’s Commissioner’s Office.
Raymund Yu, who co-owns the Rain or Shine PBA franchise with Terry Que, confirmed reports last week that PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial spoke to him about ROS leading the country’s campaign in the Asian Games scheduled Aug. 18 to Sept. 2 in Indonesia.
“Let’s us see what will happen,” said Yu. “As long as it is for the country’s cause, we’ll try to help,” said Yu.
“Some of our players are now excited with the thought of donning the national colors,” said Que.
The initial plan was for TNT to head the formation of the Asian Games squad but was torpedoed after a tumultuous event that led to the suspensions of KaTropa players Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, Terrence Romeo and Troy Rosario.
The four were suspended by FIBA after figuring in a massive brawl with Australia last July 2.
There were also reports that the league may tap NLEX mentor Yeng Guiao to call the shots owing to his familiarity of the ROS players.
Guiao steered ROS to championships before moving to NLEX.
