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The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) vows to send the “best team possible” as Gilas Pilipinas vies for a coveted Tokyo Olympics berth.
Gilas Pilipinas earned a slot in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Belgrade, Serbia as a replacement for New Zealand, which pulled out due to coronavirus-related issues.
The Philippines will go through the eye of the needle to clinch an Olympic seat after being grouped with powerhouses Serbia and Dominican Republic.
Italy, Puerto Rico, and Senegal round out the opposite group in the Serbia leg of the OQT.
Only 1 of the 6 teams will advance to the Olympics.
SBP president Al Panlilio said the federation will meet with the PBA to plot the best course of action for the OQT.
“Whenever we compete in international tournaments, we always aim to send the best team possible to make our Filipino fans proud,” said Panlilio.
The SBP hopes Angelo Kouame can play as a naturalized player for the national team by the time the OQT kicks off on June 29.
Kouame, who hails from Ivory Coast, is close to representing the Philippines after the Senate committee on justice passed the bill that will grant him and Spanish footballer Bienvenido Marañon Filipino citizenship.
“[W]e’re hopeful that Ange Kouame’s naturalization will be signed into law by then to give Gilas Pilipinas Men that added boost it needs to be more competitive,” Panlilio said. – Rappler.com
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