Thailand, host of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December, has yet to release the eligibility rules for the men’s basketball tournament.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio said they are still waiting for official guidelines from the Thai organizers before finalizing Gilas Pilipinas’ plans.
“Have to have a formal notice from SEA Games eligibility rules (before we can make a formal move),” Panlilio told Fastbreak in a Viber message Tuesday night.
Reports suggest that Thailand may adopt FIBA’s strict eligibility standards, which allow only one naturalized player per team.
The possible move is seen as a response to controversies during the 2023 SEA Games in Phnom Penh, where host Cambodia fielded multiple naturalized players across various sports. At the time, simply holding a passport was enough to qualify for participation.
In men’s basketball, Cambodia paraded six naturalized American players and finished as runners-up to Gilas Pilipinas.
If Thailand enforces FIBA’s rules, the Philippines will be forced to choose between Justin Brownlee and Angelo Kouame as its lone naturalized player for the competition.
The post Thailand yet to announce SEA Games basketball eligibility rules first appeared on Fastbreak.
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