While time slowly runs out for Smart Gilas-Pilipinas, the two Fil-Ams are still confident they’ll be able to join the team as the second round of the 26th FIBA-Asia Championship For Men unwraps Monday in Wuhan, China.
“Obviously, it’s really upsetting," said Lutz, 26, and picked third overall by San Miguel in the last PBA Rookie Draft. “We put a lot of work on this team. And the basic reason why we’re brought in is to help the team, help to come here to this exact tournament and help out in any way possible."
Both got the shock of their lives when FIBA-Asia officials declared them ineligible to play an hour before the Nationals’ opening day game against United Arab Emirates.
A technicality in their Filipino citizenship documentation prevented them from suiting up for the team, although Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manny V. Pangilinan already assured Lutz and Lassiter over dinner Saturday that the federation is doing everything it can to get the two of them to play. Read Full Story...
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