PHNOM PENH—If it’s not allowed in the Olympics, it should not be allowed in the Southeast Asian Games.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann on Sunday expressed his strong opinion on the rampant use of naturalized players in the biennial games in the aftermath of the Philippines’ heartbreaking setback in the 3×3 men’s basketball at the hands of a Cambodian team that had all three American cagers on the playing court.
“Kudos to our 3×3 team, we have actually improved from our bronze finish in Vietnam, and now, challenging a foreign Cambodia team. It is tough,” said Bachmann, a former basketball player himself. “I wouldn’t call it unfair, because it is legal now. But it is something SEA Games has to talk about. On a personal note, I just feel that if it’s not allowed in the Olympics, it should not be allowed in events in the SEA Games or the Asian Games.
“So far, I’m very happy. It’s a good start, hopefully we can retain it,” said Bachmann in a brief huddle with Filipino sportswriters covering the games. “I think Sir Bambol [Tolentino, Philippine OIympic Committee president] said top three or four , so it looks like we’re getting there. The golds from EJ [Obiena], [Caloy] Yulo are not yet there, so I’m just hoping that our gold and silver will continue,” said Bachmann, who with his commissioners and the POC chief, have become Team Philippines’ biggest cheerleaders here.
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