MANILA, Philippines—The Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters are ready to represent the Philippines in the upcoming Asian Games in Indonesia, if so needed.

Originally, the core of the TNT KaTropa — along with Andray Blatche, and cadet players Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero, and Abu Tratter — was going to represent the country in the upcoming Asiad. However, this was called into question after several of those players were involved in the fracas with Australia during a FIBA World Cup qualifier earlier this month.

Ultimately, Blatche along with four TNT players, namely Jayson Castro, Troy Rosario, Roger Pogoy and Terrence Romeo, were banned for several games. However, those suspensions are to be served in the second round of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers that start in September; the Asian Games are not included in the ban.

Even so, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas already discussed a possible "Option B" with the PBA and the Philippine Olympic Committee, in anticipation of the sanctions. One alternative that came up is to send another PBA team to the Asian Games – the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters.

"Nakausap na namin ang Rain Or Shine, na 'yung buong team nila, OK lang sila kung anong gustong gawin ng PBA," commissioner Willie Marcial said Thursday.

Marcial said he asked Rain Or Shine owners Raymond Yu and Terry Que if they would be willing to lend their squad to the national cause, and got a positive response.

"Tinanong ko kay boss Raymund, kay boss Terry, boss, pwede ba 'yung team niyo? 'Oo! 'Yung buong team ko, kung gusto mo, Willie.' Ganun sila kasuporta sa atin," he said.

"OK, all-out support sila sa kung ano'ng kailangan ng PBA."

Yu backed up Marcial's statement, saying: "Any time there's a chance, an opportunity for Rain Or Shine players to play for flag and country, OK naman kami. We've always been supportive."

"Yes, we're willing," added Yu.

However, both Yu and Marcial noted that nothing has been finalized. Marcial said there will be a board meeting to discuss options, and he has to again talk to SBP president Al Panlilio, national team coach Chot Reyes, and SBP chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan regarding the future of Gilas Pilipinas.

Yu also noted that for all the team's willingness to send a team to the Asiad, they also want to make sure that they are going to field a very competitive squad.

"You have to understand that the competition in the Asian Games, mataas din 'yan. So s'yempre worried din kami. Gusto namin if we’re gonna go there, 'yung team na panglaban talaga, na di mapapahiya ang bansa," he said.

"May mga details pa that we need to iron out."

As early as now, however, the E-Painters are already bracing themselves for the possibility of being sent to Indonesia.

"Go lang naman tayo ng go. Always ready," said Raymond Almazan, who was formerly part of the national team pool. "Ang buong team? Ready naman kami lagi."

Beau Belga said: "Kung binigay sa amin ang opportunity na 'yun, tatanggi ka pa ba? Maraming gusto maglaro sa national team. Hindi ako nasa posisyon na umayaw. And I've been dreaming to play for the national team. Given the chance, na 'yung boss pa namin ang um-oo, okay, good."

Jeff Chan, a member of the celebrated 2013 Gilas Pilipinas team that won silver in the FIBA Asia Championship added: "Kung may chance, why not, 'di ba? Na-miss ko rin naman na naglalaro sa Philippines."

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