‘Excellence can’t be reached with 1 step,’ says MVP

Manny V. Pangilinan delivers a speech at the Philippine Sportswriters Association awards night at the Manila Hotel.

MANILA, Philippines — Withits hands full with the buildup for the Fiba World Championship and the Asian Games, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is bracing for an unprecedented busy calendar this year.

While Gilas Pilipinas will be busy preparing for its first World Championship appearance in four decades, there’s also plenty of work ahead for SBP on other fronts, including the possible hosting of the Fiba 3×3 Asia Pacific Competition in July.

The SBP is also preparing for the Under 17 World Cup in August, the 3×3 in the Youth Olympics in China and the Asian Games in September.

SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan outlined the federation’s activities in his speech during the PSA Annual Awards Night last Saturday at Centennial Hall of Manila Hotel where Gilas Pilipinas received the Athlete of the Year honor.

The SBP was also awarded National Sports Association of the Year with Pangilinan clinching the Executive of the Year plum.

Pangilinan said the SBP is also planning ahead in preparation for the Fiba Asia Qualifying in 2015.

Putting up a credible stand in the World Championship remains a priority.

“We cannot approach international competition with an attitude that is defeatist or insecure even if we know that our chances to be No. 1 or No. 2 may be slim at this time,” said Pangilinan.

“Remember, excellence is not a destination which can be reached with just one step. Rather, excellence is achieved brick-by-brick, bit-by-bit, step-by-step.”