IN what could be the game-winning shot for Philippine basketball, officials of the Basketball Association of the Philippines have agreed to attend the unity congress organized by the prime movers of the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas at 10 a.m. today at the Dusit Hotel in Makati.
After meeting with International Basketball Federation officials in Bangkok, Thailand, last Saturday, the BAP dumped its earlier decision to boycott the congress and participate in today’s proceedings, including the election of SBP officers where businessman Manny V. Pangilinan is expected to be named president.
The unity congress and election of officers could be the final step toward having the FIBA suspension on Philippine basketball, imposed by the world body in July 2005, lifted.
"Finally, it’s all over," pro league commissioner Eala, the spokesman of the SBP, said yesterday.
Eala was with the SBP group that included Pangilinan, PBA chairman Ricky Vargas, Pilipinas Basketball president Jose Capistrano and SBP acting corporate secretary Marievic Anonuevo which also met with FIBA officials last Saturday in Bangkok.
Eala said after an arduous 12-hour hour marathon session, BAP executive secretary Christian Tan and legal counsel Bonifacio Alentajan, who were empowered by newly-elected BAP president Go Teng Kok to represent the BAP in the three-man panel, agreed to implement the Tokyo communiqué based on the earlier interpretation of the panel led by Pangilinan.
"The three-man panel agreed on the final talking points for the culmination which will pave the way to the execution of the Tokyo communiqué in the unity congress tomorrow," said Eala, adding Baumann will arrive today to oversee the unity congress and preside over the final execution of the Toyo accord signed by the BAP and Pilipinas Basketball last August.
"With Mr. Baumann leading the way, it is a very strong indication that we have a strong anchor to rest the foundation of the agreement," Eala said.
"The lifting of suspension is imminent now that Fiba has already agreed to participate."
"This is a victory for Philippine basketball. We’re looking forward to a smooth unity congress and looking forward as well for the RP team to play again in international tournaments," Eala added.
"We are going to attend the Congress set by the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas," new BAP president Go Teng Kok told Malaya.
FINALLY THE LONG WAIT IS OVER!!! great news!!! ASIA, here we come!!!
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