SBP showcases the best in Fiba 3x3

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is keen on putting up the best possible squad and hopes to break attendance records at one of the world’s biggest arenas when it hosts the FIBA 3x3 World Cup from June 8 to 12 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio yesterday said they will make sure to tap the country’s leading players as well as utilize the Phl Arena with hopes of setting attendance records that would ensure the successful staging of the five-day competition.

“We will send our best players and hold it in the country’s biggest basketball arena with hopes of giving a lot of basketball-loving fans a chance to watch the games live,” said Panlilio in the event launch at the BGC Activity Center in Taguig.

Also attending the event were FIBA Marketing director Alex Sanchez of Spain, Senators Sonny Angara, also the SBP chair, and Joel Villanueva, Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano, SBP executive director Sonny Barrios, Smart Sports and MVP Sports Foundation’s Christopher Quimpo and Chooks to Go’s Ronald Mascarinas.

This early, Panlilio said top PBA players have signified their intention to represent the country in the upcoming event, including Terrence Romeo of GlobalPort, Calvin Abueva of Alaska of Alaska and Troy Rosario of TNT, who have represented the country in past FIBA 3x3 competitions.

“There are 20 players who have shown interest and we just have to work with the coaches,” said Panlilio.

Panlilio said the SBP is hoping the event will also boost the country’s 3x3 grassroots development program geared towards making it to the Olympics.

“Hopefully, we can come up with a good team and spur development of 3x3 especially now that is an Olympic event where we have a good chance of making it to Tokyo in 2020,” he said.

The FIBA 3x3 World Cup also serves as a run-up to the country’s hosting of the FIBA World Cup in 2023.