High expectations for 2018 FIBA 3×3 World Cup staging in PH
Officials from the SBP and Fiba launch the logo for the 2018 Fiba 3×3 World Cup. Photo by Randolph B. Leongson
As a precursor to the 2023 Fiba World Cup, the Philippines is set to host the 2018 Fiba 3×3 World Cup from June 8 to 12 at Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
“Coming from the heels of the country together with Japan and Indonesia winning the 2023 World Cup, we’re very excited about us staging another World Cup,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio at the launch on Thursday at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig.
“It’s exciting times for basketball in general for the Philippines. We don’t have to wait for 2023 because we’ve brought the 3×3 World Cup here.”
A total of 40 teams, 20 for men’s and 20 for women’s, will converge at the world’s largest indoor stadium to dispute who are the best half-court ballers all over the world.
SBP executive director Sonny Barrios also sees the occasion as a fitting culmination for this year’s Independence Day celebration.
“We’re all working together to make it aside from a basketball event but also a part of the independence week celebration,” he shared.
Though the Philippines has yet to come up with the 3×3 squad which will compete in both divisions, the SBP officials are highly optimistic that the event will give Fiba a glimpse of what awaits the international basketball community for the 2023 Fiba World Cup.
“We need everyone’s help to drum up support for this event in June so that we can exceed expectations. We all know how much we love the sport of basketball,” said SBP chairman Sen. Sonny Angara.
