Thai’s SEAGames bid, “hook or by crook!”

HOST Thailand’s desperate moved to weaken Gilas Pilipinas’ bid to retain the gold medal in the men’s basketball are now in full throttle, that

saw the Thai organizing committee constantly changing the eligibility rule up to the the last minute.

Though the host country has the privilege to what type of eligibility rule should they adopt to enhance its’ chance of winning. That sounds cheating above the rim.

At first, the Thai organizing committee, said they will abide with the “passport rule”, which means any foreign players wishing to represent their country of heritage as long as it acquired a passport before they turn 16 years old.

Then, few months before the opening of the games, the organizing committee, sensing Gilas Piipinas, under Norman Black, assembled a power house team mixed Fil-foreign players local collegiate players, with half-Filipino parents, naturalized player led by Justine Brownlee.

Days later, the organizers, change the rule,and instead they will adopt FIBA’s “Hagop” rule, allowing only one naturalized player for each competing teams and the rest are local. But coach Norman still managed with a highly competitive line up with Brownlee, spear-heading along turned local Ange Koume.

And again, the cheeky Thai organizers change the rule for the third time. Two-weeks prior to the opening ceremonies. This time ,locals with players only and Foreign players with lineage to their respective countries.

For coach Norman and Gilas Pilipinas, it was a tough psychological test, though the new rule somehow, reduces the competitiveness and daunted Gilas’ spirit. But I doubted ,it only brings the true spirit of the Filipinos’ big fighting heart.

They (Thai organizers) thought it would dampen Gilas’ “Puso”, think again, Gilas just debuted with an 83-58 thrashing of Malaysia, Sunday, at the start of hostilities in the men’s 5X5 basketball competition.

Likewise Gilas ladies debuted with a 76-67 crushing of Malaysia women's counterpart three days ago.

Thai organizer’s dirty tactic didn’t stop there, as they allegedly sabotage Gilas arrival from the airport to their hotel, when their courier bus en countered engine trouble. Thus left them stranded a few hours along the road.

And the poor boys just console themselves while waiting for the replacement bus. Bobby Ray Parks, who topscored for the Nationals againts Malaysia with 18 points, posted video blog on his social media, regarding their situation.

For the Thai Organizing Committe, hear me out. If you think your dirty tactic will succeed, well, maybe, but I believe in karma, everything you do, good or bad, will always comes back to you to hunt you.(Dapat sa mga switik na iyan..pinapa'THAI!- EiC)