MACAU—The Basketball Association of the Philippines-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP) has offered for the country to host the International Basketball Federation (Fiba)-Asia Championship in 2011, which also serves as the continental qualifying for the London Olympics the following year.

That would give the national team a deciding edge in a tournament where it saw its dreams to return to the Olympic arena—for the first time since 1972—dashed last year in Tokushima, Japan. In last year’s Fiba-Asia meet, Team Philippines wound up ninth.

SBP vice chairman Ricky Vargas on Tuesday disclosed he has made a verbal offer for the Philippines to host the Fiba-Asia meet during a meeting with the Fiba top brass on Friday.

Noli Eala, SBP executive director, is set to make a more formal proposal this week to Fiba-Asia secretary-general Dato Yeoh Choo Hock in Kuala Lumpur.

“They were very accommodating and their words were encouraging,” said Vargas of the Fiba officials, whom they met for about 90 minutes.

Vargas, Eala and SBP chairman Gov. Oscar Moreno met with Fiba and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) officials in Beijing for the POC’s official confirmation of the SBP as the country’s legitimate national basketball body.

Vargas said the Fiba officials took the time to reiterate the recognition of the world’s governing body of the SBP, under the leadership of tycoon Manny Pangilinan, as the only recognized caging body in the Philippines.

“Don’t doubt,” Baumann told the SBP and POC delegation, according to Vargas.

Jawo still considered

Despite leading Air21 to its first-ever finals appearance in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season, Bo Perasol might not be the team’s head coach next campaign.

The franchise is still talking with former senator and PBA legend Robert Jaworski to become their mentor next season, Express team manager Lito Alvarez admitted.

“We have a scheduled meeting once I get back to Manila,” said Alvarez, who joined the other PBA governors here for their annual election of officers and directional meeting.

“Sana, magkaroon na ng concrete results ang magiging usapan namin,” he added.

The 62-year-old Jaworski had given Alvarez some pointers in the recent Fiesta Conference championship series between Air21 and Ginebra—the former team of “The Living Legend”—which won in seven games.

“Kung ano man ang mga ibinibigay niya sa akin, ipinapasa ko naman kay coach Bo,” said Alvarez, who even invited Jaworski to the finals and sit in the commissioner’s row.

But the basketball icon known as the “Big J” declined the offer, saying it could become a distraction.

Perasol was informed of their talks with Jaworski, Alvarez added.

“Alam naman niya ang mga usapan namin with the Senator and he understands naman the situation,” Alvarez said.

‘Proper budget from Pagcor is problem’

MONEY continues to be the biggest problem in developing Philippine sports, according to the country’s Olympics chief of mission, Rep. Monico Puentevella.

Funding for sports comes only when event nears, say boxers

NATIONAL boxing coach Pat Gaspi believes the country’s budget for sports, at least in boxing, should be concentrated on a long preparation for a big international event, particularly the Olympic Games.

Chiz wants stronger PSC control over funding and support to NSAs

SEN. Francis “Chiz” Escudero yesterday proposed the adoption of a merit system in determining government support for national sports associations (NSAs), saying the creation of a long-term monitoring system on the performance of Filipino athletes would help determine their real medal chances in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

‘Special treatment’ for top two?

WITH five days left before the annual Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft, two players who are projected to go 1-2 have yet to submit the required papers to be able to join the activity this Sunday at the Market! Market! Mall in Taguig City.

SBP asks to host 2011 Asian joust

MACAU—The Basketball Association of the Philippines-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP) has offered for the country to host the International Basketball Federation (Fiba)-Asia Championship in 2011, which also serves as the continental qualifying for the London Olympics the following year.

To dream or to redeem?

Both teams came into their respective Olympics with real issues.

In 1992 the Dream Team had to deal with the stigma of the ’88 team’s loss to the Russians in Seoul, South Korea.

Ask Coach E: Sandlot basketball, anyone?

Philippine basketball is unique not only in the manner we play it, but also in the places in which we play it.

I guess that no place in the world can rival the Philippines when it comes to basketball on the streets, or sandlot basketball.