Binigyang-linaw ng Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) ang ilang punto kasunod ng kanilang pasya na hindi na isama sa Gilas Pilipinas pool si Fil-Am guard Remy Martin.
Una rito, sa isang social media post, sinabi ni Remy na nasaktan daw ito sa hindi pagkuha sa kanya sa national squad.
Paliwanag ni SBP president Al Panlilio, ito raw ay dahil sa isyu sa eligibility at hindi dahil sa hindi ito deserving na mapabilang sa Gilas.
“We are more than happy to accommodate Remy and make him part of our Gilas Pilipinas program. However, we are constrained by the FIBA ruling that says a player hoping to play as a local must have a local passport before the age of 16,” saad ni Panlilio sa isang pahayag.
“That is one area that we are still trying to ascertain. There is no doubt that Remy’s mother, Mary Anne Bagtas Macaspac was born in the Philippines.
She has documents to prove that. However, we are waiting for more documents to prove that Remy is eligible to play as a local.” Ani Panlilio, tatalakayin naman umano sa susunod na pulong ng FIBA ang isyu sa eligibility ng mga players.
“The issue on eligibility will again be raised in the next FIBA eligibility meeting. My position as Second Vice President in the FIBA Asia Board gives me an opportunity to push for clarity and reforms on that matter,” ani Panlilio.
Nagpasalamat naman ang sports official kay Martin sa hindi nito pagsara sa pintuan na maisuot ang national tri-colors sa hinaharap. “We are thankful to Remy for his sincere interest to play for our flag and country. We in the SBP are trying everything to make that a reality.”
