FISU'S DISAPPOINTING MOVE

It was a sad day for local collegiate basketball as FISU, the organizer of the Universiade Games, advised Jose “Junjun” Capistrano, the local FISU contact person, that the Philippines is not among the twenty four countries participating in the basketball event scheduled this July.

Although the $5,000.00 participation deposit has been paid, the organizers noted that the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) membership status is unclear considering that the country has not participated in the Games since 1967. FISU cited that participation and performance in previous Games are important criteria in selecting the 24 teams from among the 30 applicants.

Participation in an international competition was one of the prizes offered by Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) to DLSU Green Archers, the winner of the 2008 Philippine Collegiate Championship Games.

SBP officials are currently working on alternatives that will be presented to Bro. Bernie Oca of DLSU, who was very disappointed when informed of the FISU response.