THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) describes as unfortunate and a huge setback the FIBA decision not to allow Fil-Ams Chris Newsome and Cliff Hodge to suit up for Meralco in the ongoing Champions Cup in Thailand.
SBP president Al Panlilio said that since the tournament features top club teams in Asia, the federation was hoping FIBA would not apply the same eligibility rules when representing the national team.
Besides, both Newsome and Hodge are legitimate member-players of Meralco, who were with the team when it finished runner-up twice in the last two editions of the PBA Governors Cup, Panlilio pointed out.
Newsome and Hodge were deemed ineligible to play as locals for Meralco by FIBA Executive Director-Asia Hagop Khajirian three days before the tournament. An appeal was made during the managers’ meeting on the eve of the opener, but to no avail.
“We were very hopeful that we could compete at a high-level with the two guys on board. Imagine our disappointment when they were not recognized as local players,” said Panlilio.
In the SBP’s appeal letter to Hagop, the federation stressed Hodge had been with the Bolts since being drafted in 2012, while Newsome attended college at Ateneo de Manila and has been a member of Meralco since 2016.
“These are legitimate proofs that they are members of our club,” added Panlilio. “Unfortunately, FIBA did not blink.”
Without Newsome and Hodge, coach Norman Black has to make do with a roster that’s already missing the services of injured veterans Ranidel de Ocampo and Jared Dillinger.
Worse, original import choice 7-foot-2 Liam McMorrow who would have teamed-up with resident reinforcement Allen Durham, went down with a meniscal tear during practice just two days before the team was to left for the Thai province of Nonthaburi.
Team manager Paolo Trillo scampered to have replacement Diamond Stone go directly to Thailand just a day to Meralco’s opening game against host team Mono Vampire.
Stone played without the benefit of practicing together with the Bolts, scoring 15 of his 23 points in the first half only to lose steam down the stretch due to fatigue and jetlag in Meralco’s 100-92 loss to the Vampire.
“The injury on Liam was another huge blow. He was the man in the middle that we sorely lack in our roster. He was automatic two points inside the paint on offense and a solid rim protector on defense,” said Panlilio, who is also the Meralco governor in the PBA Board.
“With his size and mere presence, he was a guaranteed game-changer. He was what the doctor ordered until he got hurt.”
Despite the odds, the SBP said the Bolts will try to remain as competitive.
“We are determined to compete and find ways to win,” said Panlilio.
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