By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Former Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Chairman Monico Puentevella, who likewise served as Philippine Sports Commission commissioner, is grateful after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) finally decided to send the national men’s basketball team to the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games scheduled from August 14 to September 1.

This was announced late Sunday in a press conference attended by POC President Ricky Vargas, SBP officials headed by its President Al Panlilio and Executive Director Sonny Barrios, alongside Philippine Basketball Association officials, NLEX Road Warriors coach Yeng Guiao and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters mentor Caloy Garcia.

For Puentevella, win or lose, this development is good news for the basketball-loving Filipinos.

Among those initially named to be part of the 14-man pool are Rain or Shine’s Ra Maverick Ahanmisi, Raymond Almazan, James Yap, Chris Tiu, Beau Belga, Gabe Norwood, Paul Lee, Stanley Pringle, Asi Taulava, Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero, Celedonio Trollano, and Christian Standhardinger./JSG, WDJ