President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received the Central Board of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and ambassadors Dirk Nowitzki and Yao Ming, along with officials of the Samahan ng Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Philippine Olympic Committee, in a courtesy call at the President’s Hall in Malacañang Palace on Friday.
In his message, Marcos expressed his assurance that the country will have a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable crowd for every single day of the tournament.
“If there’s one thing I can guarantee all of the Central Board members here in the Philippines is that you are going to have a very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, loud, passionate crowd every single day,” said Marcos.
Marcos also extended his congratulations to SBP Chairman Emeritus Manuel V. Pangilinan for his efforts in bringing the World Cup to the Philippines, which will also be co-hosted by Japan and Indonesia.
The FIBA Central Board invited the President to perform the ceremonial toss at the opening ceremony of the FIBA World Cup 2023 in August, to which he agreed.
He expressed his gratitude for the Board’s efforts and assured them of the government’s full support in all their endeavors.
“That would be an honor for me to re-enact perhaps, re-enact what my father did in 1978,” he said, recalling the time the Philippines first hosted the global conclave during the administration of his father.
The group phase of the tournament will be hosted simultaneously by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia from 25-30 August 2023, with games in the Philippines held at the Philippine Arena, Smart Araneta Coliseum, and SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The final phase will also take place at MOA Arena.
Basketball legends Nowitzki, Yao, and Luis Scola will grace the draw on Saturday at Araneta.
