MANILA, Philippines — Despite a disappointing campaign by Smart-Gilas Pilipinas in the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Manny V. Pangilinan is not losing hope in their quest to return to the Olympics, starting with the 2012 London Olympics. Pangilinan said yesterday in the PSA Forum that he’s confident the team will have better chances next year as it tries to qualify for the Olympics via the FIBA-Asia Champion.
“We’ll certainly try our best to qualify,” said Pangilinan in the forum held at the Dragon Gate Restaurant. “Ayokong mawalan ng pag-asa.”
The PLDT and Smart top honcho pointed to few things that went against the national team in the Guangzhou Games, including the failed attempt to get the naturalization papers of 6-foot-10 American Marcus Douthit in time for the quadrennial event.
Also, the injury to Japeth Aguilar and Sol Mercado played a major factor on the Nationals’ bid to win a medal in the Asian Games.
The 6-foot-7 Aguilar did not play a single game due to a knee injury, and will be out for at least six weeks, while the 6-foot-1 Mercado missed three of the last four games of Smart-Gilas after aggravating his injury in his left ankle after a sprain.
“Medyo minalas tayo, (in the Asian Games),” Pangilinan said.
“We’ll sit down with (Smart-Gilas coach) Rajko Toroman and examine kung ano ang naging pagkakamali natin, and what went right as well. We’ll try to improve our chances,” added Pangilinan.
Waylon Galvez, Manila Bulletin
