A few prominent PBA personalities weigh in on the decision of Strong Group Athletics to forfeit a game in a Dubai tournament.
Strong Group Athletics (SGA) stirred some controversy last Feb. 2 after the team forfeited the bronze medal game in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship due to perceived biased officiating.
SGA felt they didn’t receive a fair shake from the referees during their semifinal game against the Tunisian national team, where they lost 68-63. Following the defeat, the team released a statement in their social media accounts where they made a call for “equality and fairness in officiating and for the game to be treated with the proper respect.”
The statement went on to say that “throughout the game, multiple non-calls were made against us, with crucial decisions favoring Tunisia. The most controversial moment came in the final seconds when we were trailing 66-63. With just 4.4 seconds left on the clock, our standout Rhenz Abando launched a potential game-tying three-pointer but was clearly bodied from behind by Tunisian big man Mokhtar Ghyaza. Despite the obvious contact, the referees failed to call a foul, effectively sealing Tunisia’s victory and ending our championship hopes.”
SGA added their decision was “about advocating for officiating that upholds the spirit of sportsmanship and ensures that all teams are given a fair chance to compete. We extend our gratitude to our supporters and assure our fans that despite this unfortunate outcome, we remain committed to representing the Philippines with pride on the global stage.”
‘Huwag tayo umayaw’
SGA’s decision, however, did not sit well with other basketball officials. Over a week after the incident, officials of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) were asked for their opinion on the move. Needless to say, they didn’t agree with it, particularly since SGA was representing the country.
“Sa akin lang, opinyon ko lang, sana nilaro natin yung third (place game),” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial during the unveiling of the league’s 50th anniversary logo. “Kasi nirepresent natin iyong bansa, sabi nila. Kahit hindi para sa bansa, kahit ligang barangay, sana naglaro tayo. Yung po, sa akin lang.”
PBA vice chairman Alfrancis Chua echoed Marcial’s sentiments, saying that representing the Philippines abroad carries a huge responsibility.
“Kung makikita mo, bago sila umalis, they said that they’re representing the Philippines. Yung lang ang akin, nung nire-represent mo, meron kang bandera dito, huwag tayo umayaw.Huwag tayo umayaw. Kung nasaktan tayo, natalo. Pero huwag natin ipakita… tayo mga Pilipino, tatapusin natin yung liga.
“Yung lang kasi mag-re-reflect eh. So, yun lang nasa amin, napag-usapan namin sa board, kahit kami nagulat.”
Strong Group’s head coach Charles Tiu and team manager Jacob Lao are also connected with the Converge FiberXers of the PBA. However, Converge governor Archen Cayabyab clarified that the two teams are owned and operated separately, and that the FiberXers would not resort to such a move.
“The owner of Converge is Mr. Dennis Uy, and the owner of the SGA is Mr. Frank Lao. Pero magkaibigan naman yan.Yung nangyari sa Dubai, kasi baka sabi nila, ma-associate yung Converge. Kasi assistant coach namin, si Charles (Tiu), and team manager si Jacob Lao. Pero labas naman yung Converge doon.
“It’s their decision. Pero sa Converge kasi, hindi namin tolerate gawin yun. Kasi dito sa PBA, kasi alam naman natin dito na this is a gentleman’s league. So, kailangang igalang natin…importante pa rin talaga yung sportsmanship sa bawat isa sa atin lahat.”
PBA chairman Ricky Vargas, meanwhile, suggested stricter protocol when it comes to teams claiming to represent the Philippines in international competitions.
“One lesson we have to learn from this is, we should really be very selfish in naming our teams ‘Philippines’. Or allowing them to use any of our teams, allowing them to use our flag. Or saying that they’re representing the Philippines. We should actually be very selfish. In other countries, they are so strict about that.
“So, that’s a learning from this experience.”
Banner Images from PBA Media Bureau.