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For Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior reporter
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is ready to get down to business in preparation for the surprise inclusion of the country’s men’s basketball team in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Olympic Qualification Tournament (OQT) in mid- this year.
The local basketball federation said it will coordinate with different stakeholders to achieve the best possible representation at the tournament scheduled for June 29-July 4 in Belgrade, Serbia.
Gilas Pilipinas earned a spot in the playoffs after New Zealand pulled out of several FIBA tournaments, including the OQT, over coronavirus-related concerns.
In an announcement made last week, FIBA said that the Philippines earned the spot because, according to world rankings, it is the next best team in the Asia-Oceania region.
The Philippines is grouped in Group A along with the Dominican Republic and Serbia. Group B, meanwhile, has Puerto Rico, Italy and Senegal.
An Olympic place is up for grabs in the tournament.
Following the news, SBP expressed enthusiasm for the inclusion of the country and for the opportunity to compete in a high-profile competition.
It is set up to leverage stakeholders to support the tournament, including the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
“The goal is to send in the best team possible to make our Filipino fans proud. We will coordinate with the PBA to map out our plans for the future, ”said SBP President Al Panlilio after the FIBA announcement.
“This is truly a welcome development and we are very happy that Gilas Pilipinas has the opportunity to compete for a place in the Olympics,” he added.
The PBA has been a long-time partner of the SBP for international competitions.
In addition to the FIBA OQT, the PBA players are ready to push the national team forward for the Asia Cup Qualifiers to be held here.
The SBP also hopes that the naturalized player candidate Angelo Kouame from the Ateneo will be eligible for the Olympic Qualifiers.
Mr. Kouame’s naturalization was approved by the Senate justice committee last week and more needs to be addressed before it is signed.
The SBP sees the big man as a roof and muscle addition to the Filipino team.
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