THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is not one to throw in the towel in its bid to have Fil-foreign players suit up as locals in FIBA tournaments.
SBP president Al Panlilio said the federation is working hard and having informal discussions with the world governing body for basketball to change its eligibility ruling that requires players to acquire passports before the age of 16.
The rule is known as the “Hagop rule” named after Lebanese FIBA Asia executive director Hagop Khajirian, who introduced the ruling.
“We’re working very hard on that. Secretary-general Andreas Zagklis is very aware of that issue with us, and we’ve been communicating, not formally,” Panlilio said on Radyo5 92.3 News FM’s Power and Play program hosted by former PBA Commissioner Noli Eala.
“He knows the issues that we’re bringing to the table, but it has been an issue that needs a lot of discussions still with the FIBA,” he added.
Fil-Am guard and NBA leading Sixth Man of the Year candidate Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz is foremost among the celebrated cagers affected by the ruling.
The likes of Ginebra stars Stanley Pringle and Christian Standhardinger are also deemed naturalized players by FIBA.
The 6-foot-5 Clarkson said he wants to see action for the nationals in the coming Olympic qualifying tourneys and in the 2023 FIBA World Cup the country is co-hosting.
Panlilio said the FIBA’s history of encountering countries fielding players with sketchy qualifications partly prevent it from dropping the rule.
The FIBA is looking at a ruling that will not only benefit the Philippines but also its other member-nations.
“When you talk to the FIBA, although it has a negative impact on the Philippines, they’re looking at 120 countries where they have yet to find a solution on an issue that happened many years ago,” Panlilio said. “But they understand our situation.”
Amid a clout of uncertainty, the country is set to host the third window of the Asia Cup qualifiers in a bubble from June 16 to 20 in Clark.
