All systems go for Gilas as Douthit inclusion unopposed

INCHEON, South Korea – Marcus Douthit’s eligibility issue was never discussed during the manager’s meeting, clearing the way for the new 12-man roster of Gilas Pilipinas to play in the 17th Asian Games here that will tip-off on Saturday.

Gilas team manager Aboy Castro emerged from the manager’s meeting with a smile and only a minor issue that he hopes to be resolved as promised by the organizers on the same day. 

“The most important thing for us is that Marcus Douthit eligibility was a non-issue. Nobody even mentioned about it. We’re very happy that we’ll play with our full 12-man roster in this Asian Games,” said Castro after the team managers’ meeting.

It lasted only an hour, well ahead of the scheduled 9-11 a.m. in the large conference room inside the Samsam World Gymnasium, the main hub of the basketball games.  The team managers were more concerned about the welfare of their players and their coaches in the Athletes’ Village with questions ranging from internet connection to food were discussed.

“Of course, that’s every manager’s concern. We want our athletes and coaches to be very comfortable especially when staying in villages such as this. But when push comes to shove, when we focus on the basketball itself, I think our team will do very, very well.  We’re hoping for the best. Obviously, we’ve prepared long enough and hard for this. We’ve travelled the world. We were away from our families for two and a half months already and this is the culmination of our whole summer,” said Castro, who arrived here along with the TV5 crew on Wednesday evening. 

“Please continue praying for the team and please continue supporting your team. We hope to do well and go all the way here in Incheon,” Castro added.

The only minor wrinkle during the meeting was when Castro could not find the list of Gilas players from the organizers, which was needed to get the IDs that will serve as their visa when the whole team flies here on Saturday afternoon.

But the Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee (IAGOC) promised to release the team IDs in the afternoon just in time before Castro returns to the country on an evening flight.