THERE remains at least an ounce of a chance that the likes of RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, and the other players included in Gilas Pilipinas' expanded pool earlier submitted to FIBA can see action in next week’s Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Teams are still allowed to tinker with their roster until the eve of the tournament proper especially if a player suffers an injury as per FIBA rule.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al S. Panlilio confirmed the ruling any of the 16 competing teams can avail within the allowed time frame.
READ Troy, Abarrientos left behind as Gilas heads to FIBA Asia Cup
“Yes, before the technical meeting,” he said, which he said would take place on August 4.
The Philippine team now has a complete 12-man lineup a week before the 31st edition of the quadrennial meet opens at the King Abdullah Sports City as forward Calvin Oftana was given clearance to travel and play for the team on the morning it departed for the port city by the Desert.
Oftana's clearance led to both Abarrientos and Rosario staying behind after practicing with the team for more than two weeks, including a stint in its three-day training camp at the Hustle Fitness Performance in Pampanga.
Of course, fingers are crossed that no more injuries would hit Gilas heading to the meet.
But in the event any of the players get hurt at least a day before the competition, lineup changes will be allowed for submission to the FIBA technical committee.
That’s when Abarrientos, Rosario or even Rhenz Abando can come in since they’re part of the expanded pool the country submitted to FIBA for the Asia Cup.
In the Gilas roster published on the FIBA Asia Cup website, other players listed as possible replacements include Zavier Lucero, Mason Amos, naturalized player Ange Kouame, and even the recovering Kai Sotto.
READ No RHJ in Gilas-Jordan friendly in Jeddah
Of the seven reserves, Abarrientos and Rosario have the best shot at being called up if ever the technical committee deemed an injury as legit.
Both Barangay Ginebra players were with the national team the moment it came together for practice last July 7 for the Asia Cup.
“We got Troy and RJ sitting on the wings to step in, if necessary,” said Cone of Rosario and Abarrientos.
“They were really, really crucial to our preparation,” said Cone of Rosario and Abarrientos. “They were locked in to what we do.”
Once teams submit its final 12-man roster during the technical meeting, the lineup is considered final and cannot be tinkered with any more whether injuries hit them during the course of the tournament.
Gilas will have a game right away on August 5 against Chinese Taipei in one of four matches featured in the opener.
Other games scheduled on opening night are New Zealand versus Iraq, Jordan against India, and China opposite host country Saudi Arabia.
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