2013 Fiba Asia tourney logo bared

WORKING together in staging what is considered as the most prestigious tournament in the country in recent memory, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Philippine Basketball Association yesterday again vowed to host the “best” Fiba-Asia tournament ever in August.

The continental tournament returns to the country for the first time in 40 years on Aug. 1 to 11 with the Philippines vying for one of the three qualifying spots for the 2014 World Championships in Spain.

“We want to put our best foot forward and our best team forward,” said SBP vice chair Ricky Vargas at a press conference launching the tournament’s official logo at MOA Arena last night.

“It is with great pride and anticipation that the PBA will be standing side by side with SBP,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.

“From the very start, the PBA has lent its support to the national cause. The players are there. The format of the league was tweaked and our employees and technical people are all assigned in the SBP.”

The logo features five rays of the sun similar to the ones in the Philippine flag surrounding a ball with a huge Pilipinas word written under it.

National coach Chot Reyes said preparations remain on track for Gilas, but he will be calling off practices for the next few weeks with players focusing on the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.