Photo from Fiba’s Twitter account
An emotional 20-minute presentation vested on a nation’s passion for the sport of basketball has been the main focus of the Philippines in its bid of hosting the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
“The love (for) basketball by Filipinos is authentic, it’s something you cannot manufacture,” said Hollywood actor Lou Diamond Phillips.
Relying on the heavy hopes of a nation thirsty for an international basketball event on its turf, the Philippines came with tons of promise, highlighting the country’s indelible mark in the sport of basketball.
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Former national team coach Chot Reyes said, “The whole world will see our love for basketball. We believe basketball will never be the same again.”
He also urged the FIBA Central Board when he said, “Bring basketball home — our home.”
The Philippines is eyeing four venues to host the games: the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, the Mall of Asia Arena, the Seaside City Arena in Cebu, and the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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Jimmy Alapag also branded the 2019 event as, ” a real and very authentic festival feel on the streets because of our love for basketball.”
The hashtag #PUSO2019 also trended worldwide during the Philippines’ presentation.
Aside from SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan, eight-division boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao and Dre Miller, son of Willie Miller, also made their voices heard in the pitch.
Phillips closed the presentation, saying, “Our passion for the game is a given. The world knows the way we feel about basketball.”
“This is not just another sporting event for us. This is the event.” IDL