With just a few weeks before the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers begins, SMART Gilas Pilipinas’ management and coaches together with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas are leaving no stones unturned in preparations for the qualifying tournament that will usher in a new era in global basketball.
“Every tournament we joined this year was done in preparation for this tournament,” said SMART chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, who is also the chairman emeritus of the SBP.
“Though the new FIBA format for qualification is different from past editions, we are confident that we will adjust to this and return to the global stage once more.”
Unlike in past editions of the tournament, the 2019 World Cup Qualifiers will have a home-and-away structure with the region divided into four groups in the opening round. SMART Gilas is situated in Group B, together with Australia, Chinese-Taipei, and Japan. Only six teams from the region will qualify for the World Cup in 2019.
With less than 21 days to prepare before the team embarks to Tokyo, Japan for the team’s first game, SMART is convinced that the basketball camps in the country will work together as a team in preparation for FIBA.
“We are hoping that the best of the best players in the country will join Gilas for this tournament. We are calling for the support of every club team, every league, and every collegiate program to support this endeavor,” shared Pangilinan.
“We at SMART are guaranteeing full support to our national team and its journey to the World Cup,” added SMART Sports chief Christopher Quimpo.
“Together let us join hands in forming a formidable national team that the Filipino people deserves.”
The SMART Gilas training camp for the tournament begins on Friday, November 3.
Moreover, SMART is calling for every Filipino to support our team by expressing their support on social media and during the team’s first home game on November 27 against Chinese-Taipei.
“Let’s show the world once again what puso is all about!” closed Pangilinan.
