FIBA-Asia: Lassiter, Lutz get go-signal to play for Gilas

Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz were finally given the go-signal by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to play for Smart Gilas-Pilipinas in the 26th FIBA-Asia Championship For Men in Wuhan, China. The correspondence came from no less than FIBA secretary-general Patrick Baumann and dated Sept. 18. “After a review of all the documentation provided by your federation, I herewith authorize the players Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz to play for the national team of the Philippines without being subject to the restriction provided for in article 3-21," said Baumann in the two-page decision officials of Smart Gilas received early Monday morning. FIBA-Asia deputy secretary general Hagop Khajirian cited the provision (article 3-21) in the FIBA internal regulations in declaring both Lutz, 26, and Lassiter 23, ineligible to play for the national team. The provision requires both Fil-Ams to submit documents proving they acquire their Filipino citizenship before the age of 16. The FIBA decision, according to Baumann, however, “is made without prejudice to FIBA’s right to apply article 321 more restrictively in any future cases and or to review the eligibility of these players should any new information be reported in relation to their national status." The welcome development came just as Smart Gilas kicks off its second round campaign in the Olympic qualifying meet opposite Jordan at 3:30 p.m. Monday. The Nationals were obviously thrilled by the pleasant news as they went about their one-hour shoot around hours before the game, according to assistant coach Charles Tiu. The re-entry of both Lutz and Lassiter allowed Mac Baracael to return at the wing spot, and Ranidel de Ocampo at power forward. Lassiter is expected to start for the Nationals against Jordan along with Baracael, Mark Barroca, Kelly Williams and Marcus Douthit. -OMG, GMA News