FIBA names Panlilio to esports body
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio has expressed full support for FIBA’s bid to advance the popularity of the esports event that had its inaugural exhibition last week.
“FIBA will push esports for sure as it is one of its innovative initiatives to expand the FIBA family,” said Panlilio in a text message to Manila Bulletin.
The world governing body for basketball held a three-day tournament called FIBA Esports Open 2020 participated in by 17 countries, including the Philippines, which ruled the Southeast Asian region by sweeping Indonesia 5-0 in a five-game series.
Dubbed “Dream Team” by the SBP, the national team is made up of Aljon “Shintarou” Cruzin, Rial Polog Jr., Philippe “Izzo” Alcaraz, Rocky “Rak” Braña, Al “Alt” Timajo, Custer “Aguila” Galas and Clark Banzon.
Produced by the brand new FIBA Esports Studio in Latvia, the tournament also featured Australia, Argentina,
Austria, Brazil, Cyprus, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, New Zealand, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine and Italy.
The games were livestreamed on FIBA’s Facebook, Twitch and YouTube channels with live commentary.
Panlilio said that FIBA is determined to continue with the program, and that federation secretary-general Andreas Zagklis included him to a working team that will discuss the future of esports.
“I am honored and privileged that FIBA has included me in an informal working team to make this happen. Watch out for the next FIBA ESports event,” said Panlilio, who teamed up with esports national association chief Jane JimenezBasas in forming the national team. (Waylon Galvez)