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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider POC chief slams SEA Games organizers over delayed basketball eligibility ruling

POC chief slams SEA Games organizers over delayed basketball eligibility ruling

Published Nov 29, 2025 04:59 pm

At A Glance

  • The Thai hosts initially ruled that players only needed passports to qualify, but later reversed course and released a new ruling adopting the FIBA eligibility rules instead.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino could not hide frustration over the delayed decision of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) Organizing Committee regarding player eligibility for 5-on-5 basketball.
Speaking before the SEA Games delegation during the official send-off on Friday, Nov. 28, at Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Tolentino said he has repeatedly pressed the organizers to clarify the rules.
The Thai hosts initially ruled that players only needed passports to qualify, but later reversed course and released a new ruling adopting the FIBA eligibility rules instead.
Because of the indecision, Gilas Pilipinas remains without a final lineup just a week before the start of the competition.
“Gabi-gabi na kami nagmi-meeting ng SEA Games Federation, halos inaaway ko na. Sabi ko, 'Bakit hanggang ngayon, hindi niyo pa fina-final 'yung list ng basketball? November 28 na. It's okay for us. I-disqualify niyo na 'yung gusto niyong i-disqualify, basta ibigay niyo na 'yung final list,” said Tolentino.
"Bakit ayaw nating aminin na mas malakas ang Thailand sa muay, na mas malakas ang Indonesia sa pencak silat, na mas malakas ang Singapore sa swimming, pero sa basketball, aminin niyo naman na sa Pilipinas 'yan," he added.
Fans have echoed Tolentino's frustration, viewing the delayed release of the official lineup as a possible tactic to preven the Philippines -- widely seen as favorites in the men's 5-on-5 event -- from securing adequate preparation time.
Tolentino confirmed that naturalized players will not be allowed in the men’s basketball competition, ruling out Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame from the SEAG roster.
Aside from that, multiple reports revealed that Gilas' initial 12-man lineup  has been trimmed to just eight players after Thailand reportedly flagged Remy Martin, Mike Phillips and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser.
Jason Brickmann and Dave Ildefonso, along with potential replacement Geo Chiu, have also been withdrawn from the lineup after the Abra Weavers advanced to the Finals of the MPBL.
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