No matter how optimistic they are regarding the Philippines’ chances of winning the hosting rights of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, it will always be a 50-50 chance, insists Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio.
This comes as the FIBA Central Board’s decision, on which of the two blocs between Philippines-Japan-Indonesia and Argentina-Uruguay will have the right to host the quadriennial spectacle, will be unveiled on Saturday, December 9.
“Argentina is very serious din with their bid. I think they will present a formidable bid. So I think it’s 50-50,” said the executive during SBP’s presser, Monday afternoon at the Marikina-Mandaluyong Room in Meralco Compound, Ortigas.
In fact, to further strengthen the Filipino-led bloc’s chances, Panlilio and his colleagues will actually fly to Switzerland over the weekend for a last-ditch presentation of the three-nation group’s hosting bid to the FIBA board.
“It will mainly be SBP officials — MVP [Manny V. Pangilinan will be there] of course. We’ll also have officials from both countries (Indonesia and Japan),” bared the long-time Meralco Bolts team governor in the PBA.
“We’ll have a 20-minute presentation and a 10-minute Q-and-A for any issues that might be raised by the board members.”
The SBP is greatly doing their part to bring the World Cup here. But the governing body is also asking help from their fellow Filipinos to help them with their bid, and that is by launching the #playlouderin2023 campaign.
“It will be very big. That’s why we’re asking help from (the Filipino people) so we can show the numbers to FIBA,” said Panlilio, who hopes that the mentioned hashtag will trend as soon as possible, just like the #Puso2019 campaign.
“Malaking impact yun if they joined the trending effort,” added SBP executive director Sonny Barrios.
The Central Board’s decision will most likely be revealed at around 6:00 PM on Saturday. And if ever the Asian bloc will be successful, then the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia are all automatically seeded in the 2023 World Cup.
