Cesafi lauds SBP for World Cup hosting

Basketball coaches and stakeholders in Cebu see an influx of tourists and excited Filipino fans when the country host the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup.

The country will host the Fiba World Cup together with Japan and Indonesia.

“It’s a big honor to the Philippines, not only for basketball fans but also to the tourist as well. This will put Philippines in the map, worldwide,” said Cebu School Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy. “I salute Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan for bringing it to the Philippines. At least we will have a chance to see global players play in our country, and also in person if we go to the venue.”

For University of Visayas (UV) Green Lancers assistant coach and player scout Van Helen Parmis, the hosting will be a chance to boost and promote Philippine sports tourism and also encourage the youths who are into basketball.

“It’s a great feeling to see the international players play in the country. Imagine the likes of Kyrie Irving, the USA Basketball Team will be in the Philippines,” said Parmis.

Parmis is hoping, though, that the tickets for the games would be affordable for the Filipino hoop fans.

“If it’s staged here, the tickets will be expensive. We’re hoping it will be affordable,” said Parmis, who was with the Green Lancers in the 2013 World University Games in Russia.

Parmis also said that the World Cup will really excite local players and fans, especially those who are playing in the local leagues.

Mike Reyes, the head coach of Southwestern University (SWU-Phinma) Cobras, and also the brother of Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes, said that it’s about time that the Philippines will host the World Cup.

“We have not hosted the World Cup for a long time. I think the last time was about 40 years ago. It’s great for Philippines to do this,” he said.

Reyes said that he was not surprised on the Philippines winning the bidding over the other country’s since we already came close in 2015.

In 2015, Philippines fell short in its bid when FIBA decided to grant China the right to host the 2019 Basketball World Cup.

“Me personally, I expected it. Kasi malapit tayong manalo the last time,” he said.

University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors coach Bong Abad said that it’s a great opportunity for the basketball fans to see the global icon of basketball play in the Philippines.

“It will not only benefit the basketball fans but will also have an impact on our tourism. There will be a lot of tourists that will come here,” he said. /