Marcial: FIBA World Cup a win for Gilas, Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – For PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, Gilas Pilipinas and Filipino basketball fans still came out as winners in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Speaking to reporters Monday at the sidelines of the launching of Molten’s special ball for the World Cup championship at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, Marcial cited two reasons why he considers the country’s campaign in the tournament a success.

“First, our countrymen were able to witness international games. They were able to enjoy quality games. That’s why I’m thankful to MVP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan),” said the PBA chief.

Next in Marcial’s two-item list is Gilas ending its 2023 World Cup campaign with a higher final ranking than they did in the 2019 edition of the tournament. Despite registering only a 1-4 record, Gilas landed at No. 24, an eight-spot improvement from its dead-last 32nd-place finish four years ago.

Gilas’ finish in the ongoing tournament assured the squad of a spot in the Olympic qualifying tournaments.

“Nasa top three tayo sa Asia,” Marcial pointed out, as Gilas ended up behind Japan (3-2) and Lebanon (2-3).

The Filipinos came up short in winnable games against the Dominican Republic and Angola, and also lost versus Italy in the first round. In the classification round, they yielded to South Sudan before finally hitting pay dirt against Asian rivals China for a winning exit.

For Marcial, defeating China was only the cherry on top.

“Yes, we beat China, pero yung dalawang (reasons) yung mahalaga,” said Marcial, still underscoring the improved ranking and the country’s successful World Cup hosting.

“Maganda (pa rin) ang nangyari, nag-improve ang standing natin,” he said.