Laos Ok'd Basketball for SEA Games; Rajko Toroman Team Pilipinas

After initial hesitation, Laos has reportedly approved basketball as one of the sports in the upcoming SEA games next year. Many Philippine sports officials are stated to have worked hard to have basketball reinstated after the Laos South East Asian Games Organizing Committee excluded the sport months ago - citing poor infrastructure and low interest. Besides the country, Thailand the reigning women's champion, also lobbied to reinstate Basketball.

Laos was being practical. It cannot afford to organize the costly sport of basketball. Thankfully, Fiba-Asia offered to foot the operational expenses. I'm not sure if it will help in the construction of the basketball gym though.

It will be Rajko Toroman's Team Pilipinas which will represent the country in the Laos South East Asian Games next year. This is good news to the squad as it seeks more competition to prepare for the 2011 Fiba-Asia Men's Championship.

Speaking of 2011 Fiba-Asia Men's Championship, the Philippines is making a strong bid to host it. Yesterday, news reports stated Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas is willing to partner with the PBA to build a new basketball facility just for the said event! I haven't read any response from the PBA yet. I'll keep you guys updated.