SBP confident of nailing Fiba Asia hosting

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is optimistic that the Philippines will win hosting rights for the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship.

SBP executive director Sonny Barrios said Tuesday the country’s bid to host the continental qualifier for the 2014 Fiba World Championship in Spain earned good feedback from top Fiba Asia officials during its recent congress in Kuala Lumpur.

Barrios said the positive outlook came from no less than Fiba Asia secretary general Hagop Khajirian, who seemed thrilled at the prospect of holding the games at the ultramodern SM Mall of Asia Arena.

“We have very strong chances in hosting the tournament,” said Barrios. “Hagop and I discussed the subject during the congress and it looks promising.”

According to Barrios, Fiba Asia will award the hosting rights of next year’s Asian Championship in Tokyo in September during the Fiba Asia Cup.