Several Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) executives have voiced their disagreement with Strong Group Athletics’ (SGA) decision to withdraw from the third-place game at the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship due to officiating concerns.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial expressed that he would have preferred SGA to compete for bronze, emphasizing the importance of representing the country in international tournaments.
“Sa akin lang, opinyon ko lang, sana nilaro natin ‘yung third kasi ni-represent din natin ‘yung bansa,” Marcial said in a GMA News Online report.
SGA opted out of the match against the UAE National Team following a contentious 68-63 semifinal loss to Tunisia, citing officiating inconsistencies. The team released a statement saying, “We at Strong Group Athletics have officially decided not to participate in the third-place game… as we call for equality and fairness in officiating.”
PBA vice chairman and Barangay Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua echoed Marcial’s stance, saying that as the country’s representatives—alongside Zamboanga Valientes—SGA should have endured the adversity.
“‘Wag tayong umayaw kung nasaktan tayo, natalo, pero ‘wag natin ipakita ‘yun. Tayong mga Pilipino, tatapusin natin ang liga kasi magre-reflect e,” Chua said, adding that the PBA Board of Governors was surprised by SGA’s decision.
Meanwhile, Converge team governor Archen Cayabyab clarified that the franchise and SGA are separate entities despite SGA coach Charles Tiu being an assistant coach at Converge.
“‘Yung nangyari sa Dubai, sabi nila na-associate ‘yung Converge kasi assistant coach namin si Charles and team manager si Jacob Lao. Labas naman ‘yung Converge doon,” Cayabyab stated, emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated within their organization.
