Philippine Arena to host FIBA 3x3 World Cup

It’s all systems go for the FIBA 3x3 World Cup.

The global hoops contest, which features a three-on-three format and was just recently considered as an Olympic sport, will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

FIBA, alongside the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, made the announce on Thursday during a presser at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig.

“[Choosing Philippines] was not an easy decision,” said FIBA managing director Alex Sanchez. "I think one of the things that we viewed as very important was the success of the World Tour in the two malls (here) in the previous years.”

"We would like to help with this event to give a push to Filipinos to see if they can develop a strong program to be in Tokyo 2020,” he continued. "I think that should be the final goal … this World Cup may be a step toward achieving [that] goal.”

The skirmish is set to draw 40 participating countries. Twenty squads comprise the men’s division while another 20 constitute the distaff side. It will run from June 8 through 12.

"We want to give an opportunity to more people to see the games,” said SBP executive director Sonny Barrios. “From a Philippine basketball point of view, that gives an opportunity for the youth and everybody to watch the games.”

The Philippines’ best finish in the 3x3 arena was during the 2016 World Championship. Mac Belo, Glenn Khobuntin, Karl Dehesa and Russell Escoto repped the Philippine tricolor, finishing ninth.

The International Olympic Committee formally added 3x3 basketball to the Olympiad on June 9, 2017.

"The Gilas team is trying to qualify for the Olympics through the China World Cup in 2019. But I think equally, we will try to put a program together — maybe we're a bit late on it but we'll try to put a program together for 3x3 and how we can also qualify in Tokyo,” added SBP prexy Al Panliligo, who along with Sanchez unveiled the official tourney logo.—

Philstar.com