It really sucks to see Lebanese basketball suffering once more after the Lebanese Basketball Federation decided last week to cancel participating in 2014 Jones Cup in Taipei because they’re unable to cover the participation costs .
The Lebanese Basketball Federation confirmed Thursday that the men’s national team will not take part in the Jones Cup tournament which was due to take place Aug. 9-17.
The federation had initially requested a wildcard invitation to take part last month which was granted by the Taiwanese federation, before they decided to withdraw due to financial difficulties and absence of key players.
“The men’s national team is really in danger,” head coach Ghassan Sarkis said. “While our Asian counterparts are preparing seriously and playing right in China [ FIBA ASIA Cup], we are at home and can’t decide whether to take part or not.
“In addition, the financial aspect has been a huge barrier in front of us. As long as we are not solving it, there will be no national team and this is the federation’s duty to do it.”
“I want to thank the players for accepting to go even without pocket money, some of them even offered to pay for their flight ticket.” Source
