Philippine team vs Poland in FIBA 3×3 worlds. Photo from FIBA.com
One of the proponents when it comes to the development of 3×3 basketball, the Philippines will be the stage for the Fiba 3×3 World Cup 2018.
Manila has been granted the hosting rights for the fifth edition of the international 3×3 tournament, where it will serve as the culmination for the numerous 3×3 legs next year.
“We are very proud and honored to be hosting the FIBA 3×3 World Cup next year,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios in a statement.
“Our two previous experiences hosting FIBA 3×3 events have been a success and 3×3 has become a centerpiece of our development program.”
The country staged Manila Masters legs back in 2014 and 2015, where national team players Terrence Romeo and Calvin Abueva battled the world’s best 3-on-3 ballers.
“We are delighted to bring the FIBA 3×3 World Cup to the Philippines,” said Fiba 3×3 managing director Alex Sanchez. “We are positive that the SBP and the passionate Filipino fans will make it an unbelievable experience for the best 3×3 players in the world and everyone watching on all platforms.”
Serbia’s men and Czech Republic’s women’s teams are the reigning world champions after topping the 2016 tilt in Guangzhou, China. The two squads are set to defend the title in the 2017 World Cup in Nantes, France slated on June 17 to 21.
Mac Belo, Russel Escoto, Glenn Khobuntin, and Karl Dehesa represented the Philippines in the Fiba 3×3 World Cup last year.