The Fiba Basketball World Cup Naismith Trophy. –SMART PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The historic Big Dome will be busy playing double duties as not just the host of the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers, it will also serve as a make shift museum for the Naismith Trophy.
The Fiba Basketball World Cup trophy will be on display at Smart Araneta Coliseum for the duration of the Group A games from February 24 to 28.
The Philippines is co-hosting the Basketball World Cup next year along with Indonesia and Japan.
“To see the trophy up close and in person is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for basketball fans,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio.
NOW: The FIBA Naismith Trophy makes a stop here at the iconic Big Dome.
SBP President Al Panlilio and executive director Sonny Barrios are joined by Fiba’s David Crocker.
The Philippines is set to co-host the World Cup with Japan and Indonesia next year. | @sonrdINQ /PDI pic.twitter.com/u39y6J3c40
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 24, 2022
The trophy, which is made almost entirely of gold, already went on tour before the Asian Qualifiers as it made rounds at SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia with fans getting to look at the cup inside Smart stores.
“For us at PLDT and Smart, we’re not just here to witness basketball history unfold right before our eyes. We’re here to make sure Filipinos get to experience the games and root for the Philippine team,” added Panlilio.
The Naismith Trophy is Fiba’s highest prize and a cup that the Philippines has yet to win.
The United States and Yugoslavia hold the record for most Fiba Basketball World Cup wins with five each.