BAP to go it alone in Asian Games?

The nation might have seen the last of the PBA stars in the quadrennial Asian Games.

Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) secretary-general Graham Lim hinted yesterday that they may end its agreement with the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in beefing up the national team with PBA mainstays.

"Since meron naman kaming sponsor and a new program that is in place since the start of the year, we might as well handle our participation in the Asian Basketball Championship and Asian Games ," said Lim.

He was referring to chief backer Cebuana Lhuillier which is bankrolling a program aimed at making the country competitive again in Asian basketball.

With the support of Cebuana Lhuillier, Lim felt they now have the means to handle the Filipinos’ campaign in the ABC tourney and the Asian Games.

The pro league had hoped to firm up its relationship with the BAP and even went to the extent of changing its calendar so its top players could be tapped by the RP team in international meets.

"In one way, nakakalungkot dahil it seems they (BAP) are closing the door on the assistance we are offering," said PBA commissioner Noli Eala.

"On the other hand, if they want to be independent that is their right. Sila ang may jurisdiction and we cannot do anything about that," he added.

Eala, however, said the league would keep its commitment in the event the BAP would need assistance for the RP team.

"If later on they would seek PBA’s help, hindi naman namin ipagkakait iyon," Eala said.

Cebuana Lhuillier top honcho Jean Henri Lhuillier said they’re open to a partnership with the pro league but their coach must call the shots and members of the national pool must form the core of the team.

"Hindi naman pwede iyon," said Eala.

Cebuana Lhuillier coaches Boyzie Zamar and Dong Vergeire are currently holding tryouts in various parts of the country for possible players for the national training pool. Zamar and Vergeire are in Mindanao at the moment.

With the disbandment of the RP team that reigned supreme in the recent Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam, only Recaredo Calimag, Richard Melencio, Dennis Madrid and Celino Cruz are left in the training pool.