By Waylon Galvez
Gilas Pilipinas benefactor and former Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manny V. Pangilinan has also apologized for the withdrawal of its national team to the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games set this month in Indonesia.
Pangilinan said he regretted the decision of the association that shocked the basketball community and even drew flaks from various sectors.
“Apologies to all,” said Pangilinan Tuesday evening after he graced the CIGNAL TV event at the Shangri-La Plaza Hotel in Mandalyong City. “It was not taken lightly.”
“I think most of us agonized over the decision because we know, as I’ve said, palaging gustong makita ng mga Pinoy ang ating basketball team to compete (Filipinos always want to see our basketball team compete).”
“I think all of us are quite regretful. We all know that basketball occupies a special place in the hearts of all Filipinos. It was a tough decision and one that saddens all of us,” added Pangilinan.
Criticism on the SBP’s decision to withdraw last week was severe.
After agreeing to send the ‘core’ unit of Rain or Shine to be handled by NLEX coach Yeng Guiao (formerly of ROS) in the continental meet, the SBP announced through social media and in a press statement sent via email that the country will no longer compete in the tournament.
For him, sending a strong team is the main concern, and if the Philippines cannot send its best players, it’s better not to send at all.
