The highly anticipated FIBA qualifier basketball game between Guam and Hong Kong has been officially canceled due to concerns with the coronavirus outbreak.
The decision has left questions regarding if or when the game will be made up.
The decision made by Adelup prompted FIBA officials to fly in to discuss how to handle the canceled game’s future.
EJ Calvo, the president of the Guam Basketball Confederation and the head coach of the Bank of Guam men’s basketball team, said that although he’s disappointed with the decision, he understands it and is preparing to move forward.
“We just want to now refocus and 100 percent prepare for the next game against New Zealand on Sunday, and we’re glad we’re able to still play that. We think that we have a good shot every time we step on the court and the main mission here is to move on to the next challenge in front of us,” Calvo said.
No decision has been made as of yet as there are still regional qualifying rounds left to play this week and another round scheduled in November of this year in which Guam will have to travel to Hong Kong.
A FIBA decision on the postponement or rescheduling of the Guam-Hong Kong game more than likely won’t come until after those rounds are played.
“We don’t know the exact decision sent down from FIBA. I think it’s going to take some time for them to look at all the circumstances and decide what to do next with this game. We hope that it’s postponed and we get the opportunity to play them,” Calvo said.
The team has been practicing this week as scheduled in preparation for the game against New Zealand this Sunday, which has not been canceled.
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