FIBA Asia Cup in peril?

TENSIONS are high in the troubled Middle East brought by military conflict between neighboring countries Israel and Iran, with the United States meddling from the sideline has raised concern and uncertainty for FIBA whether to push through with the staging of the Asia Cup tournament to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in August.

Just couple of days ago, the Israelis and the Iranians have been exchanging missile fire, hitting densely populated areas and respective cities, wherein civilians are at risk. Some are injured and others even died in the said attack and counter.

Amidst the conflict, Gilas-Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is unsure how would Saudi Arabia host the FIBA Asia Cup play out, without posing any threat or danger to the safety of all participating players with all those missiles flying over their heads.

Should the conflict goes on, there are two options the Saudi organizers can consider. One, is to change venue, meaning forge an agreement with neighboring countries as co-host with Jordan, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates(UAE) and Qatar. And the worst case scenario, to postpone it until such time conflict has been resolved.

Iran, which regarded as one of the powerhouse and title contender in the tournament, is facing a grim prospect of uncertainty, as some of the players will be serving in their military or in the emergency units. The Iranians are Group in B, along with Japan, Syria and newcomer Guam.

At present, the Samahan ng Basketbol ng Pilipinas ((SBP) is in constant communication with FIBA, which also communicating with the host with regard to the current situation out there. At the moment the only thing we can is to monitor whether they (FIBA) change the venue or consider other factors to insure the safety of all.

“ Whether they will change the venue or such and that’s something that we are monitoring it. with FIBA as well,” said Cone during in an Interview.

Cone has also expressed concern in the safety his wards, but his not about big deal about the situation and will continue to play in Jeddah despite the prevailing situation in the Arab region. Infact, the Gilas mentor have announced, team practice will start on June 30, on a twice a week basis, thus giving them ample time to practice together.

National’s practice were actually two weeks ahead schedule as previously set first of July. Cone is supervising it himself, should Ginebra San Miguel to the finals of the PBA Philippine Cup. And if by chance the Gin Kings would make it. He had designated assistant coaches Richard del Rosario and former Alaska Milkmen import Sean Chambers, now Gilas assistant coach, to conduct and supervise the practice.