The Chooks-to-Go-backed Gilas Pilipinas will finally play in the 2018 Asian Games.
Last July 26, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) have
formalized a deal that will send NLEX head coach Guiao and the core of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to the Asiad games.
However, before the clock struck midnight on the same day, the SBP decided to pull out from the continental meet saying “the time and chance to participate would not be optimal.”
The men’s Basketball tournament of the Asian Games will start on August 14.
In a change of heart, the SBP will make the announcement prior to tip-off of Game 5 between Ginebra and San Miguel later at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Coach Yeng Guiao will still remain as head coach.
“It’s an answered prayer,” Mascariñas said. “As we’ve said, we are always ready to back the team. Kahit one week lang preparation natin, we will do everything in our powers to give the players and the coaches the resources they need to cram everything.”
The Philippines is grouped with Iran, Syria, and UAE in Group B.