FIBA to IAGOC let Blatche from playing Asian Games

MADRID, Spain – No less than the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) is saying Andray Blatche should be eligible to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the coming Asian Games in Incheon, Korea.

FIBA secretary general Patrick Baumann has come to the aid of Team PHL, tacitly ordering the Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee to clear the naturalized Filipino to join Gilas in its campaign in the Asiad basketball competition set to start Sept. 20.

Baumann made known his sentiment in a letter to the IAGOC dated September 5, 2014 and addressed to secretary general Kwon Kyungsang, sports headquarters director general Jo Youngha and entries department director Mun Hosung.

Furnished copies of Baumann’s letter were IOC sports director Kit McConnell, NOC relations diretor Pere Miro, OCA director general Husain Al-Musallam, and FIBA Asia secretary general Hagop Khajirian.

Bauhmann stressed Blatche is “registered in FIBA’s eligibility system as a player for the Philippines” and is therefore eligible to play in all FIBA-sanctioned championships, including the Asian Games.

“(Blatche) 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,” Bauhmann said.

Bauhmann reminded IAGOC the FIBA establishes the eligibility criteria for all basketball athletes worldwide for the purpose of their participation in national team competitions organized by or sanctioned by FIBA.

Bauhmann also mentioned the Asian Games uses FIBA’s International Referees to officiate the Games and apply the Official Basketball Rules as edited by FIBA.

The FIBA top official insisted FIBA rules and regulations must be applied in the Blatche issue.

“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,” said Bauhmann.

“This would certainly be fair for the athlete concerned and his country,” Bauhmann also said.

“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 further said.

IAGOC has questioned the eligibility of Blatche under the Asiad’s supposed three-year residency rule.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas contends though that the rule applies only for naturalized players who have competed in any international competition for another country.

The SBP hopes IAGOC will approve Blatche’s entry in the Philippine lineup during the delegation registration meeting on Sept. 11.

The Asiad-bound Gilas team is composed of Blatche, Gabe Norwood, Jared Dillinger, Jayson Castro, Paul Lee, LA Tenorio, Jeff Chan, Gary David, Ranidel de Ocampo, Marc Pingris, Japeth Aguilar and June Mar Fajardo.