FIBA backs Gilas for Andray Blatche’s eligibility in the Asian Games By Chris Lagunzad | Yahoo PH Sports Gilas Pilipinas naturalized center Andray Blatche might play in the upcoming Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea after all. FIBA, the sport’s world governing body, on Saturday, asked the Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee (IAGOC) to consider reinstating the 6-foot-11 Blatche in the Nationals’ official 12-man lineup for the quadrennial meet, which starts on September 19. In an official statement signed by secretary general Patrick Baumann and addressed to IAGOC secretary-general Kyon Kyung Sang, FIBA is convinced that Blatche, 27, is eligible to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas after the nine-year NBA veteran was delisted from the country’s official list of delegation in the Asian Games, citing his failure to meet the three-year residency required by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for naturalized athletes. The IAGOC also questioned the inclusion of Gabe Norwood and Jared Dillinger in the Philippine team. In contrast to the view of IAGOC and OCA, FIBA stressed Blatche has all the rights to see action in the Asian Games after already carrying the Philippines’ tri-colors in the ongoing 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain where he averaged team-highs of 21.2 points and 13.8 rebounds. “We would like to inform you that the International Basketball Federation establishes the eligibility of criteria for all basketball athletes worldwide for the purpose of their participation in national team competitions in official competitions organized by or sanctioned by FIBA,” said Baumann in the letter. The player that you have prohibited entry is registered in FIBA’s eligibility system as a player for the Philippines and has, in fact, just played several games this past week at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain for that country. It is quite confusing to hear that he is now not allowed to compete for the same team just a few weeks later,” he added. FIBA also added its rules and prohibitions are being applied on the Asian Games, just like in the world championships and Olympic Games. You may not know, but-probably similar to other sports-FIBA’s eligibility rules apply, as an example, for all FIBA’s World Championships and for the Olympic Games. Also as an example, during an event like the Asian Games, FIBA’s International Referees officiate the Games and apply the Official Basketball Rules as edited by FIBA,” added Baumann, who is hoping to have a favorable response from IAGOC. I am sure therefore that there must be a misunderstanding and I would kindly request that you review your decision and apply FIBA’s regulations on eligibility for all teams participating in the basketball tournament at the Asian Games and re-enlist the Filipino player. This would certainly be fair for the athlete concerned and his country. Equally, if the same set of eligibility rules namely that of the International Federation, is being applied to all international basketball events for national teams across the world, it ensures clarity for the media and the fans alike and credibility for the sport,” he concluded. - LA
Posted on: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 04:38:52 +0000
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