This may be the last time nations can take advantage of a mostly-naturalized lineup in the SEA Games.
Expect a lot of changes in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino confirmed there would be a limit in the indigenous sports that a host nation can include in the biennial meet. There could also be changes in eligibility rules, according to veteran sports journalist and analyst Quinito Henson.
"[Tolentino] said this is the last time na mayroong mga kalokohan na mangyayari," Henson told News5's Martie Bautista on Monday.
"There will also be a limit as to the number of non-Olympic sports that can be played. So there's going to be a consistent order of competitions looking forward to the next SEA Games."
There would also be changes in the eligibility of players.
"Malamang, this will be the last time that such a rule on eligibility will happen," Henson said.
Tolentino shared to Henson that as early as January, countries have been made aware of the eligibility rule, which indicates that anyone who can show a passport can play for Cambodia.
This was especially noticeable in the 3x3 competition, where WNBA players wore the Cambodian jersey. In the men's division, United States-based Darrin Dorsey, Brandon Peterson, and Sayeed Pridgett played for Cambodia and defeated the Philippines' Almond Vosotros, Joseph Eriobu, Joseph Sedurifa, and Lervin Flores in the finals.
Only one Cambodian was in the lineup, and the player did not log a single minute, Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 coach Lester del Rosario noted.
Former Gilas Pilipinas captain Jimmy Alapag called out the authorities on the matter, saying it sets a "bad standard."
In 5-on-5 hoops, the rule was also taken advantage of by Indonesia, which is fielding former PBA import Lester Prosper, Missouri-born Anthony Beane Jr., and American-Indonesian Brandon Jawato.
The Philippines has only one naturalized player in Justin Brownlee, but will also field in Filipino-foreigners such as Chris Ross and Christian Standhardinger.
Already troubled with unstable court floors, Coach Chot Reyes said he would rather focus on the things he can control.
The Philippine men's basketball team will take on Malaysia at 2 p.m. this Tuesday.
(With reports from Martie Bautista, News5)
(GM)