Filipino basketball fans all across the country will have the opportunity to lay eyes on the ultimate prize in international basketball: the Naismith Trophy.
This prestigious trophy will embark on a journey to Cebu, Davao, Manila, and Ilocos Norte as part of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Trophy Tour, proudly presented by J9.basketball.
In addition to witnessing the solid gold trophy that will be bestowed upon the victor of the forthcoming World Cup, fans will also have the chance to meet revered figures of Gilas Pilipinas, who are serving as ambassadors for the event.
Commencing on August 14, the Naismith Trophy will make its first stop in Cebu. On August 15, a series of morning activities will involve visits to iconic landmarks such as the Mactan Shrine, CCLEX, and Fort San Pedro.
In the afternoon, the Naismith Trophy will be prominently displayed at SM Seaside, accompanied by sharpshooters Gary David and Jeff Chan.
The University of Cebu Cheering Team and the 2010 Sinulog Idol Grand Winner, Jacky Chang, will deliver special performances, promising to enthuse local fans.
The tour’s next destination is Davao, where stops will include the People’s Park, Philippine Eagle Center, and Malagos Chocolate Museum.
The Davao leg will culminate in a celebration at SM Lanang Premier on August 18, featuring Gary David and two-time Best Point Guard in Asia, Jayson Castro.
The Madayaw Cheer Revolution Cheetahs, the dance group Fusion, and Ralph Angelo Merced are set to grace the stage with their performances.
On August 19, the tour arrives in Manila. The Naismith Trophy will embark on a tour of all the playing venues in the Philippine Arena, Smart-Araneta Coliseum, and SM Mall of Asia Arena.
On August 20, Larry Fonacier and other Gilas Ambassadors will join the event at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium.
This event will also showcase performances by the multi-awarded UP Pep Squad and the gold medalists from the recently concluded World of Dance Junior Championship, the Electro Groovers.
The final stop of the tour will be in Ilocos Norte, with visits scheduled from August 21 to 23 to iconic sites like the EDC Wind Farm, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, and Suba Sand Dunes.
The Robinsons Place Ilocos Norte will host the mall event on August 23, featuring the Naismith Trophy alongside Gilas Ambassadors.
The event will also feature performances from the Saguday Performing Arts Group and “Princess Rapper of the North,” Faifai Flojo.
The FIBA World Cup games will kick off on August 25, commencing with Angola facing Italy. This will be followed by a thrilling match between Gilas Pilipinas and the Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena.
Meanwhile, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Mexico will compete against Montenegro, and Egypt will face Lithuania.
Fans can secure their seats for the opening day games at the Philippine Arena and subsequent matches at the Smart Araneta Coliseum by purchasing tickets via ticketnet.com.ph or at various ticket outlets conveniently located at venues such as the Yellow Gate of the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Fishermall, Eastwood Mall, SM Aura, SM Fairview, SM Makati, and more.
For games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, tickets are available for purchase at smtickets.com or at outlets such as the Coral Box Office of SM Mall of Asia Arena, various SM Cinemas, SM Store Business Center outlets, and the SM Skating and Leisure Center at SM Mall of Asia.
