PH shortlisted as lone Asian country in contention to host OQT

MANILA, Philippines -- The country now has a realistic shot of hosting one of the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments next year after making it to the final list as the lone Asian country.

In a press release emailed by FIBA Communications Director Patrick Koller late Thursday night, the Philippines was one of the six countries that was shortlisted out of the original 10 bidders.

Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Serbia and Turkey are the other five in the running to host the three 6-team Olympic Qualifying Tournaments that will run over the course of six days during the week of 4-10 July where the three winners earn a ticket to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Eliminated from contention are Iran, Mexico, Greece and Israel.

The press release also mentioned that the announcement of winning bids has been delayed to next year from its original date of Nov. 23.

"Given the high number of candidates bidding to host one of the four events and in order to properly assess each candidature, the evaluation period has been extended and the decision regarding the four hosts will be taken by FIBA’s Executive Committee on 19 January 2016," the press release added.

The official draw for the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments was likewise re-scheduled to January 26, 2016 at the House of Basketball in Mies, Switzerland which was originally penciled at Nov. 24.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is looking at SM Mall of Asia Arena as its venue for the short tournament if it wins the bid. The 17-man Gilas pool, perhaps the strongest ever assembled since the program was formed, has already started its once-a-week practice last Monday.