Douthit to Play for Philippines in Asian Games After All

Sep 19, 2014 12:09 PM EDT

Filipino-American Marcus Douthit will suit up for Team Philippines in the 2014 Asian Games. After all the import drama, the longtime resident import will get a shot at helping the Philippines become an Asian powerhouse in basketball.

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Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia had a stressful Thursday as fears ran through his mind that Douthit’s late inclusion to the team will spark protest in today's team managers meeting.

Garcia said that the Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee (IAGOC) will stick with the decision of allowing Douthit to replace an ineligible Andray Blatche in the said event.

Reports told earlier that Douthit’s late inclusion would be protested by host South Korea, FIBA Asia champion Iran together with powerhouses Japan and defending champion China.

The earlier report was just a mere speculation, according to Garcia.

“We will have a complete team in basketball. Douthit and Jimmy Alapag have been accepted by the IAGOC,” he said.

According to Garcia, the meeting between team managers will not tackle any eligibility issue but instead discuss technicalities and the schedule.

Filipino business magnate Manuel Pangilinan, who supports Philippine basketball magnanimously, tweeted his thoughts about the possibility of the IAGOC disqualifying Douthit.

“Absolutely NOT true! We have OCA authorization for Marcus Douthit to play..."

Pangilinan explained that in their Sept. 8 letter, the OCA (Olympic Council of Asia) stated that Douthit is cleared to play. This was also confirmed by IAGOC last Sept. 11 during the Delegation Registration Meeting. He also stated that they have fully complied with all procedures and requirements making Marcus eligible and part of a 12-man roster.

Recently naturalized Filipino Andray Blatche was originally the one slated to play for the Philippine team but the three-year residency rule by the IAGOC barred Blatche from suiting up.

IAGOC stayed firm with its decision despite the Philippines receiving support from FIBA, but they allowed Douthit to replace Blatche for the tournament.

Garcia was quoted as saying that some countries may protest Douthit’s inclusion. “Yes, it is a possibility but I hope it won’t happen,” he said.

Tagsbasketball news, Team Philippines, marcus douthit, eligibility, Incheon Asian Games, South Korean Asian Games, Smart Gilas, Douthit, Blatche