SBP: Grin and splurge it

It promises to be a feast when the Philippines (together with Japan and Indonesia) plays host to the Fiba Basketball World Cup in 2023.

This is the emerging picture following the installation of Manny V. Pangilinan, chair emeritus of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to a second term in the Fiba Central Board.

After that distinct honor, Pangilinan received the 2023 Fiba flag at halftime of the Spain-Argentina world championship game in Beijing on Sunday.

“We are bringing the Fiba flag with us, a huge honor and privilege for SBP and our people,” said Pangilinan.

There’s actually a previous bright picture accompanying the immediate media release for the ill-fated Gilas Pilipinas national  team campaign in China.

It’s that of tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, flashing a healthy, happy smile, welcoming the monumental challenge.

He made his first order: “We need to supply to spectators and guests experience like never before.”

But wasn’t the handsome picture his way of grinning and bearing it, following the Philippines’ disastrous fall in the China Fiba World Cup?

“Much pressure on our Gilas team—which is very good,” Pangilipan explained.

It’s grin and splurge it.

Although there has been no sign or direction which path the Gilas national team would take next, there’s great expectation for a successful and festive 2023 Fiba conclave.

As detailed by veteran sports journalist Joaquin Henson, the Philippines will host highlight games of the 2023 championship.

Manila will host 16 countries, while Jakarta and Okinawa will welcome eight each. The four survivors in Manila will join the other survivors, two each from Jakarta and Okinawa.