MANILA — The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) advised the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (HAGOC) of possible changes in the national team rosters of certain national associations—including the men’s 5×5 squad—through the pre-delegation registration meeting (DRM) that was conducted online on Wednesday afternoon.

“We are pushing hard for the changes in the rosters of some of our national teams to guarantee that they strong finish in the games,” POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said.

The Philippine delegation is composed of 395 athletes who will see action in 40 sports in Hangzhou.

The list was already submitted to the HAGOC ahead of the deadline for the Entry by Names last July 25.

Tolentino said that the final DRM in Hangzhou on September 17 would determine if the changes have been approved.

“The POC has already advised the HAGOC of the possible change in the composition of the Philippine delegation and let’s hope that the changes would be approved,” Tolentino said. “But we are insisting hard.”

The DRM is a crucial meeting between a national Olympic committee and the game’s organizer—Olympics, Asian Games, and Southeast Asian Games, among others—covering not only the members of the delegation but major concerns including travel, accommodation, local transport and logistical arrangements. (ai/mnm)

SEVEN of the players who saw action in the FIBA World Cup are on the Team Philippines’ list for men’s basketball to the Hangzhou 12th Asian Games.

The lineup, according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, was submitted along with those of the 39 other sports or disciplines where Filipino athletes are competing in the Games that start September 23.

Any changes, Tolentino said, would have to be appealed to the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee.

“The deadline for the Entry by Names [EBN] was last July 25 and whatever list a national Olympic committee submitted is deemed official,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino also said that Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame, both naturalized, are eligible for the Asian Games for the simple rule that they only need to show a valid Philippine passport.

“Only the passport,” Tolentino said.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) list had World Cup veterans Kiefer Ravena, Scottie Thompson, Roger Pogoy, June Mar Fajardo, JR Perez, Japeth Aguilar, and Jamie Malonzo.

Also on the roster are Chris Newsome, Calvon Oftana, Brandon Rosser, and naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame.

Dwight Ramos, Renz Abando, Kai Sotto, and naturalized player Jordan Clarkson as well as AJ Edu, are not on the Asian Games roster.

The EBN also listed Chot Reyes and Tim Cone as head coaches and assistant coaches.

The SBP and Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) are expected to announce the final lineup for Hangzhou on Thursday. (ai/mnm)