The FIBA Asia Champions Cup is a great competition. Unfortunately, there are only four teams that really go out and compete every time they step on to the floor: Iran, Jordan, the Philippines, and Korea.
I was shocked the other day that Lebanon (a day after Coach Fouad Abou Chakra promised that they will not give Iran a gift of a win) did not field its tougher players against Iran. They got blasted by about 30 points and that really ticked off Rajko Toroman.
Before the Philippines' game against Kuwait yesterday, Qatar played Jordan and the score at the half was 40-35 in favor of the latter. But come the second half, the starters (save for Joshua Jones) played for a few minutes before going out. Then their Australian Coach David Ingham didn't even bother to call a single time out to stem the blitzkreig of Zain Jordan.
FIBA should fine and penalize these teams that tank to get more favorable foes in the quarterfinals that begin today (Sunday) at the Britama Sports Arena. What they are doing is a mockery and really points out to their lack of professionalism.
Iran could simply rest its players but they play hard every game and they field everyone. Same with Jordan. And the Philippines, even without CJ Giles and Chris Tiu, they really fought hard.
And that has endeared the team to the fans who have come out to watch the games. Even the technical and television crew made up of Indoensians have been cheering on the Gilas squad.
Revisit this post later tonight as I put up pix of the team members having the pictures taken with fans (some ask not just for autographs but phone numbers).
FIBA should fine and penalize these teams that tank to get more favorable foes in the quarterfinals that begin today (Sunday) at the Britama Sports Arena. What they are doing is a mockery and really points out to their lack of professionalism.
Iran could simply rest its players but they play hard every game and they field everyone. Same with Jordan. And the Philippines, even without CJ Giles and Chris Tiu, they really fought hard.
And that has endeared the team to the fans who have come out to watch the games. Even the technical and television crew made up of Indoensians have been cheering on the Gilas squad.
Revisit this post later tonight as I put up pix of the team members having the pictures taken with fans (some ask not just for autographs but phone numbers).
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