Philippines bids to host 2016 Olympic Wildcard qualifiers

One of the Gilas games when Philippines hosted the 2013 Fiba Asia Championships. Photo by Nuki Sabio/Fiba Asia

Some of the world’s top teams could gather in Manila after the Philippines has signified its intent to bid in the hosting of one of three Olympic qualifiers slated next year.

Sonny Barrios, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director, said that the cage body submitted its interest to host on Friday.

Barrios added that having powerhouse teams like Greece, France, Turkey and Serbia flaunt their world-class form at home will be a treat to Filipino fans apart from the experience Gilas Pilipinas will earn in sharing the court against quality opposition.

“It would be good Pinoy basketball fans here at home to be able to watch top caliber national teams play vs one another and our very own Gilas team.” Barrios told INQUIRER.net in a text message. “Also good learning experience for our own RP team to play vs world class teams.”

The Philippines is among the 18 teams who finished as runners-up in their respective continental tournaments that will be fighting for three Olympic slots.

The 18 teams will be divided into three groups with the champion in each bracket moving on to the 2016 Rio Summer Games.

The three hosts will be known when Fiba makes its announcement on November 23.

The Olympic qualifying tournaments are scheduled from July 5 to 11.