Chot Reyes and Gilas Pilipinas, and Patrick Aquino and Perlas Pilipinas cannot afford to take the SEABA Championships lightly
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, on behalf of the Philippines, was awarded the honor of hosting the 2017 Southeast Asia Basketball Association Championship for both men’s, u-16 boys, and women’s Monday afternoon. The announcement was made through National Team head coach Chot Reyes via social media.
We just rcvd confirmation that SEABA has awarded the Men's senior & U16 hosting to Manila, Apr 23-30. #LabanPilipinasPuso!
— Chot Reyes (@coachot) January 23, 2017
The men’s tournament serves as the main qualifier for the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup that is scheduled on August 17 to 27, 2017. Beirut, Lebanon will host the tournament.
After the announcement of the 24-man Gilas Pool Sunday evening, Reyes emphasized the importance of this tournament as all the preparations will all be for naught if the country does not successfully defend its crown.
“Dati sureball ang Southeast Asia, ngayon it’s not the sureball it once was. So we have to bring our best. That’s why we’re happy to have a pool of 24,” Reyes said.
The Philippines is a seven-time champion in the tournament, last winning in 2015 with a team bannered by Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. and the cadets of that time. Six nations competed in the tournament.
“Now, we know that Indonesia has a naturalized player, Thailand will have a naturalized player. So we have to bring our best,” he added.
The 12th edition of the men’s tournament is schedule to take place from April 23 to 30. A venue has yet to be announced. The women’s tournament is scheduled from May 16-20.
