Barrios upbeat on hosting bid

Photo from Fiba.com

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios is upbeat on the country’s bid to host the Olympic qualifiers set in July.

“We are looking with positive optimism regarding our chances for the hosting, with the Philippines as the only Asian country bidding to host the qualifier,” he said.

The Philippines stands as the lone Asian country vying to stage one of the three tournaments slated on July 5 to 11. The other countries also in consideration are Czech Republic, France, Turkey, Germany and Italy.

Barrios believes the Philippines’ failed bid to host the 2019 FIBA World Cup left a lasting impression on the Central Board.

“Somehow, I think may weight naman yung bid sa World Cup since our Tokyo presentation was well received and lauded. We’ll see,” he said.

Fiba is expected to make its announcement early Wednesday morning (Manila time).