SBP assures players’ safety

Asia Cup Qualifiers in Clark

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the current situation, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has confirmed the Philippines’ hosting of three groups in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in mid-June in a bubble setup in Clark.

In an announcement Friday night, the basketball body set the third window on June 16-20 in Clark for Gilas Pilipinas and its bracketmates in Group A as well as participating nations in Groups B and C.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio said the federation has been working hand in hand with FIBA to continue with the programs despite the challenges caused by the pandemic.

“We understand the challenges we are facing with the pandemic and we want to ensure the safety of all the players,” Panlilio told The STAR.

“We are one with FIBA on these objectives and we continue to work with the government to make the hosting possible,” added the SBP chief as he assured the hosting’s compliance with the safety requirements and regulations of Philippine authorities.

Group A leader Gilas will host South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand in Clark while Chinese-Taipei, Japan, Malaysia and China comprise Group B. Australia, New Zealand, Guam and Hong Kong make up Group C.

Clark was originally supposed to stage the qualifiers last February but was forced to give it up due to travel restrictions for arriving foreigners implemented at that time.

Doha, Qatar then took over the hosting chores but also called it off later on, prompting the SBP to offer its services again.