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02/27/2009 By Julius Manicad It’s now official: Basketball will not be included in the 25th Southeast Asian Games in Laos. In a decision reached yesterday, the organizers formally scrapped basketball from the official calendar of events, denying the Philippines of what many believe is a sure gold win. Controversial sports leader Go Teng Kok and Julian Camacho represented the country in the crucial 11-nation meeting that was specially called to tackle the possible inclusion of basketball late Wednesday night. Go even promised before flying to Laos that basketball will be included, saying he was optimistic and that it was almost a done deal. What happened instead was the other way around. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Noli Eala welcomed the news on a bitter note, but claimed that they are still undaunted in their attempt to clinch a slot in the 2012 London Olympics. Eala said he hopes the country’s campaign will not be affected even without basketball. RP is aiming for at least 100 gold medals and the overall title. SBP would be sending the RP developmental pool composed of collegiate standouts assembled by Serbian coach Rajko Toroman. “The SBP is saddened and disappointed by the decision of Laos to exclude a major sports discipline from the SEA Games calendar this year,” Eala said in a text message. “While this is admittedly a setback to our long-term program, the SBP remains undaunted and focused on our campaign towards the goal of an Olympic stint in 2012.” The POC also expressed its disappointment, but POC spokesman Joey Romasanta said it should serve as a motivation for other athletes to bag the SEA Games crown. 
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