Manny Pangilinan's Appeal Letter to FIBA

This is posted by a friend in his FB page. It is allegedly MVP's letter to FIBA regarding Lassiter and Lutz's qualifications. The letter is not complete, some details are omitted, nevertheless, there are some good points in it. Inspiring, especially the last few lines.

Now, without further ado, for your reading pleasure:

MVP'S LETTER TO BAUMANN ON LASSITER AND LUTZ


Dear Mr Baumann

... With your indulgence, I write from polluted Wuhan, to make one final appeal to you – beyond the legal and technical issues under consideration, and from the broader perspective of Philippine basketball, and its future. Our game against Jordan has now been re-sked earlier at 3:30 pm local time. Which means a decision on the Lassiter and Lutz cases early morning Geneva time would be helpful.

We are both aware about the gap between Philippine laws on citizenship and the FIBA rules relevant to eligibility. It is not the moment here to rehash the arguments of both sides. I simply wish to convey these three (3) points:

Finally, my personal appeal, Mr Baumann, if I may. It has been a little over five (5) years since my involvement began somewhat reluctantly with the basketball NSA. I don’t need to chronicle the pain and effort we all went through these years - of which you were a witness, and sometimes an unfortunate target. We have come some ways since then; but I will admit we do have some ways to go.

It would be a real setback for Philippine basketball if our Smart Gilas team were to be weakened considerably with the disqualification of these two players. Conversely, it will be a considerable boost to the program if they can play, and help our team improve its standing on the global stage.

I still remember and will never forget – the remark you made to me in Bangkok about four (4) years ago.

You reminded me that our National Team will likely not make it to the Olympics until 2016, maybe at the earliest. Whilst I will be the last to admit that I agree with your observation, I remain an idealist, but without any illusion. 2012 or 2016 or even 2020, we will continue to do our best, try our hardest, dream the highest. But we can only do so with FIBA’s help, support, and broad understanding – particularly at this important juncture in Philippine basketball.

My apologies for this long email.


A blessed Sunday.

Kindest regards.

M.V.P.

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Say what you want to say about the man, but he has my respect. Without him, where would PH basketball be, or PH sports for that matter?

Kudos MVP!

-Bloyd



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