Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manny V. Pangilinan is optimistic on Smart-Gilas Pilipinas' chances going into the second round of the 26th FIBA-Asia Championship For Men after meeting FIBA-Asia officials in Wuhan, China.

Pangilinan met with FIBA-Asia deputy secretary general Hagop Khijirian to discuss the status of Filipino-American guards Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz.

He said that he is confident Lassiter and Lutz will be given the chance to play in the second round after documents proving their Filipino citizenship were sent to the office of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in Switzerland Saturday.

SBP sent the documents after getting the re-affirmation from Department of Foreign Affairs Sec. Albert Del Rosario.

Pangilinan said he is hoping the issue would be resolved quickly so both Lassiter and Lutz can finally be allowed to play. "The boys look okay. But we need them (Lassiter and Lutz) in the second round."

FIBA secretary-general Patrick Baumann said once the papers are properly processed they will come out with a decision right away.

Khijirian added that FIBA-Asia will abide by FIBA's final decision. — JVP, GMA News

FIBA Asia Second Round - Philippine Game Schedule
September 19: (6:00pm) Philippines[D2] vs. Jordan[C2]
September 20: (6:00pm) Philippines[D2] vs. Japan[C1]
September 21: (6:00pm) Philippines[D2] vs. Syria[C3]

source: JVP, GMA News