The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) unveiled this year’s lineup for the 2018 FIBA Asia Champions Cup.
And there was a surprise representative from the Philippines, according to FIBA’s official website.
Reigning Philippine Cup Champions San Miguel Beermen were penciled in as the Philippine representatives in the tournament of champions.
Also taking part in the tournament are defending champions Al-Riyadi of Lebanon, Mono Vampire Basketball Club of Thailand, Petrochimi of Iran, Liaoning Flying Leopards of China, Toyota Tokyo of Japan, SK Knights of Korea, and Pauian Archiland of Chinese-Taipei.
The tournament will take place from September 27 to October 2 at the Studio 29 in Bangkok, Thailand.
However, based on the PBA’s current schedule, San Miguel have a game on September 30 when they face the Magnolia Hotshots.
This is not the first time the Beermen have been invited in the tournament. Back in 2012 and 2013, San Miguel were invited to take part in the tournament. However, they had to decline due to the league’s schedule.
The last time a PBA club team competed in the said event was back in 2005. The Beermen finished in fifth place in the tournament held at the Araneta Coliseum.
Last year, the Philippines sent hastily-formed club team Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas to the meet. Chooks-to-Go ended the tournament held in Chenzhou, China at fifth place.
