Manny V. Pangilinan new Fiba central board member

The man behind the national basketball team’s resurgence, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan, was elected member of the powerful International Basketball Federation (Fiba) Central Board late Saturday.

Pangilinan, the prime mover behind Gilas Pilipinas, confirmed his election to the board through a Twitter post @iamMVP.

“Finished Fiba Central Board. Took over 3 hours. Got elected. Doc Canlas to Medical Commission. Atty. Aga Francisco to Legal Commission,” said Pangilinan.

His election came on the heels of an inspiring campaign by Gilas in the Fiba World Cup in Spain where the Filipinos finally nailed a victory on the world stage after 40 years.

Beefed up by Andray Blatche, the PBA-powered Gilas won over Senegal in their last game after four narrow losses to Croatia, Greece, Argentina and Puerto Rico.

“Excellent meeting, full agenda. Credit goes to Messrs. Baumann & Muratore. Fiba Board a United Nations of basketball,” said Pangilinan, who will enjoy voting rights in Fiba.

No Filipino had sat on the 23-man Fiba Central Board, which elects its members every four years and meets twice a year, since 1984, the last year of Gonzalo “Lito” Puyat II’s two terms as president of the Fiba. Puyat was voted to the post in 1976.

Horacio Muratore of Argentina was voted Fiba president, taking over from Yvan Mainini of France. Patrick Baumann continues to serve as secretary general.