Timing not optimal: SBP withdraws national team from 2018 Asian Games

Hours after the PBA Board announced that the core players of Rain or Shine Elastopainters will be sent to the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia this August, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Thursday night decided not to send a delegation.

The move comes amid the preparation for the processing of an appeal regarding the FIBA decision on the brawl during the Gilas Pilipinas-Australia game last July 1.

"[To] allow our National team and our organization to regroup, prepare for the process of appealing the FIBA Disciplinary Panel's recent decision, and aim for sustainable success in future tournaments, we have reached the conclusion, with the foregoing considered and after consulting with the basketball community, the time and chance to participate in the 2018 Asian Games would not be optimal," SBP said in a statement.

SBP Statement on Philippine Participation in the 2018 Asian Games pic.twitter.com/bYJkGEi74R

— SBP (@officialSBPinc) July 26, 2018

The SBP, meanwhile, thanked the Rain or Shine management and NLEX Road Warriors Coach Yeng Guiao on their willingness to don the national colors.

"We apologize to the Asian Games organizers, to the fans of the Philippine team, and to the Asian basketball community for this withdrawal," it added.

The SBP said they will improve its systems and prepare more programs to improve the performance of the Philippines in international events. — BAP, GMA News