RP cagers side with Literal

Members of the Philippine basketball team last night reiterated their support to the leadership of Tiny Literal in a move that could lead to the breakup of the squad in the thick of preparations for the upcoming SEABA competitions.

Aware of a threat of expulsion from the national team bound for a series of local and international competitions, the RP cagers, including the junior squad, unanimously voted to recognize Literal as head of the basketball association in another twist to the ongoing controversy that hit the sports body.

"Paninindigan na ang nakataya dito. Kahit palitan kami okay lang basta nagkakaisa ang grupo (Conviction is at stake here. Even if they disband us, it's alright as long as we are united)," said national coach Boycie Zamar.

The 23-member national pool, led by Romel Adducul and John Ferriols, voted 22 for Literal with one abstention -- San Juan’s Omanzie Rodriguez -- in a crucial loyalty check meeting that lasted for five hours at the RP team quarters at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The meeting, called by the Philippine Olympic Committee-backed BAP group headed by Freddie Jalasco, gave the cagers the chance to voice out their concern on the current crisis. They announced their stand after hearing the side of the warring groups.

During the meeting, Jalasco warned that the team could face disbandment and a new team would be formed if the cagers decided to go with Literal since it would be a clear defiance of the authority of Jalasco.

"This is a vindication for us," said Graham Lim, secretary general of the Literal group.

The women's national team earlier declared its support for Literal.

In a meeting earlier with the Nationals, basketball official Ogie Narvasa said: "You can no longer stay neutral in this issue because the more you do so, the more you put yourselves in the middle of it. You have to decide but before you do so, think of all the consequences."

Narvasa, also speaking as commissioner of the MBA from which most of the players come from, said any decision the players would arrive at would not be taken against them personally. "It’s all up to you. You can join the BAP being recognized by the POC or join the other group."

BAP consultant Moying Martelino, for his part, stressed the importance of the POC recognition of the Jalasco group, explaining that "since the PSC gives financial assistance to the NSAs as being recognized by the POC, and in this case Jalasco’s BAP, then your allowances will come from this group."

Martelino said PSC chairman Carlos Tuason refused to sign the latest payroll for the national team members because it bore the signatures of Graham Lim and Tiny Literal. "Kaya hindi niya pinirmahan. Now, I am turning the payroll over to Mr. Jalasco for him to sign once you decide to recognize his group," Martelino said.

In his parting words, Martelino told the members of the national team: "Kung ayaw ninyo sumunod sa grupo na kinikilala ng POC, umalis na kayo sa national team."