SBP gets full backing from PBA, top collegiate leagues for Fiba World Cup

FILE – PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and SBP president Al Panlilio during a press conference. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The PBA, UAAP, NCAA, and other stakeholders have committed to throwing their full support to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) for the Fiba World Cup set from August 25 to September 10 next year.

The SBP bared that the PBA and collegiate leagues UAAP and NCAA promised to help form the best possible team for the Gilas Pilipinas’ hosting of the world championship after their board meeting led by president Al Panlilio and Chairman Senator Sonny Angara on Monday.

Panlilio and national team coach and program director Chot Reyes presented the plans to PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, Atty. Raymond Zorilla, Alfrancis Chua, UAAP board member Mark Molina, Dax Castellano of NCAA, and other basketball stakeholders and SBP officials, as the federation hopes for better performance for Gilas in the remaining Asian Qualifiers windows, reclaim the gold in the Southeast Asian Games and form the best team against the world’s best in the World Cup 2023.

The PBA will shorten its next season to only two conferences next season to give way for Gilas Pilipinas’ three-month preparation for the World Cup starting May 2023.

The SBP said the UAAP and NCAA also expressed their support by assuring the availability of the players, who will be part of the pool.

Reyes will be joined by Barangay Ginebra multi-titled coach Tim Cone and University of the Philippines coach Goldwin Monteverde, who ended University of the Philippines’ 36-year title drought as part of the coaching staff with Nenad Vucinic and Jong Uichico.

Apart from the federation is seeking a good performance for Gilas Pilipinas and a memorable hosting of the biggest basketball stage.

“We only have 389 days from the actual tip-off and I do appeal to all the stakeholders in basketball to come together and really unify in this effort,” said Panlilio.

“Showcasing the Philippines, this will be the biggest basketball event to be hosted in the country. Since 1978, we have not hosted a tournament of this magnitude,” he added.

The SBP formed a local organizing committee composed of industry stalwarts and experts to prepare for the competition, which will have 40 games in the qualifiers at Smart-Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Area, and 12 games for the final phase at Philippine Arena.

Among the slated activities are the one-year countdown clock launch on August 27, 2022, the World Cup 2023 draw event in April next year, the official ball launch, and the opening ceremonies.

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