Coming together to create a truly global spectacle
Five years from now, the world best basketball players will converge in this basketball-crazy nation for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. But more than seeing top-caliber players in the flesh, it is a chance for the world to sample the Philippines' brand of play.
That is why the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, under the stewardship of its president Al Panlilio, is making sure the country's first staging of the World Cup since 1978 edition will be hitch-free.
“The FIBA World Cup is the biggest stage in the sport of basketball and our countrymen will get the chance to see 16 of the best teams and 192 of the best players in the world,” said Panlilio via email from abroad.
“That event is also an opportunity for other nationalities to see the Philippines because we expect people from other parts of the world to watch the World Cup,” he added.
Preparation will soon kick off, beginning with a workshop under FIBA officials this month.
This early, though, Panlilio is positive the event will enhance the country’s image as a tourism destination and likewise open job opportunities for many Filipinos.
“As early as now, we are engaging the services of a group that will give us the specifics in terms of the economic impact of this event to our country,” said the SBP chief.
The country, together with Indonesia and Japan, won the World Cup hosting last December following a tight bidding war with Argentina.
Under the setup, the preliminary round of the World Cup will be played in the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan, but the knockout rounds – where the top 16 teams will see action – will be played in front of an expected boisterous Filipino crowd.
“For this event, we are introducing the new concept of a three country – Philippines, Indonesia and Japan – hosting the event. These three countries will take the lead in taking care of 29 other participating countries,” said Panlilio.
“The three countries will come together for the FIBA World Cup to show the rest of the world that in 2023, basketball will be in good hands. It’s going to be an exciting event,” Panlilio added.
The longtime basketball official also pointed out that the three-nation hosting only shows that things can be worked out harmoniously even though both Japan and Indonesia are rivals in regional meets.
It only means that politics – in sports and in government – can be set aside for the good of all.
“We’re hoping that our version of hosting the 2023 World Cup will be a test case for the future. The 2023 World Cup will show three countries working as one to ensure its success,” he said.
“Through this initiative, three countries take the lead to give basketball its biggest and grandest celebration,” said Panlilio.
“The 2023 World Cup hosting will hopefully show other sports that success can be achieved through cooperation, perseverance and dedication.”
The FIBA World Cup is the biggest stage in the sport of basketball and our countrymen will get the chance to see 16 of the best teams and 192 of the best players in the world.
— Al Panlilio President, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas