WHAT’S the next best thing for the Philippines after failing to bag hosting rights for the 2019 Fiba World Cup?
Get into the event proper.
After the bitter loss of the country’s bid to China Friday night, business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas are setting their sights beyond the Fiba Asia Championship set in China next month just to make sure that the country earns a second straight stint in the Worlds.
“Our heads are bowed in sadness, but not in shame,” said Pangilinan in a message.
“Beyond the upcoming Fiba Asia competition, we need to prepare for the new scheme of qualifications for 2019,” Al Panlilio, a trusted MVP ally and board representative of the Meralco Bolts in the PBA, told the Inquirer via a text message from Japan yesterday.
Fiba will start implementing a new qualifying process in 2017 where each country will be playing in a series of games that could stretch all the way up to 15 months.
Using its modern infrastructure, strong economy and past hosting records as its main pitch on Friday in Tokyo, China won what was described as a “double overtime” decision over a hopeful Philippine side.