Duterte seen to grace Olympic qualifying tournament

SAMAHANG BASKETBOL (SBP) ng Pilipinas Head Manuel V. Pangilinan expects President Rodrigo Duterte to grace the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which officially fires off today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“He’s always invited. There are indications he might come. But it’s really up to him. He’s a busy man. He’s more than welcome to watch the match,” Mr. Pangilinan told BusinessWorld.

SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios yesterday confirmed in a text message that President Duterte might come to the games.

“Yes, he will come. Unless something more important comes up for him,” wrote Mr. Barrios.

Gilas Pilipinas begins its campaign today against Tony Parker and the rest of France squad and Mr. Pangilinan feels anxious.

“I think the Filipino fans must have seen the level of game we’ll be facing in the competition starting today,” said Mr. Pangilinan.

Mr. Pangilinan, also the chief backer of Gilas Pilipinas, believes the Filipinos need to shoot better to give themselves a chance of pulling the rug from under their highly-favored rivals.

“I think they have to shoot better. We don’t have much offensive rebounding. Percentage of outside and free throw shooting need to get better. I’m anxious for the team, but I’m sure they’ll give their best. I went to the locker room [during Turkey game] and everybody was focused,” said Mr. Pangilinan.

For Mr. Pangilinan, Filipino fans should come out and play the role of sixth man to Gilas, which to him is really important in our quest for an Olympic berth.

“Our people should go out there on [today]. I think the tickets were already sold out. The moment of truth arrives,” he added.