Barrios still upbeat on Gilas' Olympic chances

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios remains optimistic on the country’s chances of earning an Olympic basketball slot for the first time since 1972. "I hope that I'm not alone in hoping that we can still qualify. Otherwise, discouraging sa mga bata," said Barrios, referring to the chances of the Pilipinas-Smart Gilas squad, which will compete in the Olympic-qualifying FIBA Asia Men's Basketball Championship. The last time the Philippines played in the Olympics was during the 1972 Munich Games when the squad was bannered by Bogs Adornado, Narciso Bernardo, Danny Florencio, Jimmy Mariano, the late Ed Ocampo and Freddie Webb among others. But will the plan of some of the Gilas' players to join the coming PBA Rookie Draft affect the chances of the Nationals? "Ayoko munang isipin na magpapa-draft na sila because that’s like saying na wala na tayong pag-asang maka-qualify sa Olympics," said Barrios. The Philippines finished fourth in the recent FIBA Asia Champions Cup which the country hosted last week. The team lost to deposed champion Iran in the semifinals then eventually lost to Qatar in the battle for the bronze medal. "Mas mahirap para sa akin itong Champions Cup dahil mga club teams ito na may mga import," said Barrios in assessing the Philippine team's performance. "But I think playing eight days straight took its toll on the team and this is one of the things that needs to be addressed." Gilas will compete in the SEABA Championship slated this month in Jakarta, Indonesia then will resume its training in Portugal and Turkey in July. The team will also participate in the annual William Jones Cup in August in Taipei before heading to China for the FIBA Asia Championship from September 15 to 25. - Reuben Terrado, RCJ, GMA News