Manny V. Pangilinan.
Manny V. Pangilinan, the moving force behind the staging of the Fiba Asia World Basketball Qualifying championship in Manila, was in Hong Kong during Thursday’s draw but was kept up-to-date of the proceedings.
Told that the Philippines opted to be in Group A together with Jordan, Chinese-Taipei and Saudi Arabia and avoided early clashes with the powerhouses, Pangilinan called Gilas-Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes to wish the Nationals well and start focusing on the campaign.
“I just spoke to coach Chot, who is in Lithuania, to wish him and the team well,” said Pangilinan in a text message.
Pangilinan was supposed to fly back to Manila to join Fiba Asia official Hagop Khajirian in the drawing of lots, but pressing business commitments prevented the tycoon from doing so. Musong R. Castillo