MVP: ’23 World Cup great treat to fans

MANILA, Philippines — As the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China enters its final stretch, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) gets ready to take the cudgels for the staging of the next showpiece in 2023 while making sure it will field a more competitive Gilas Pilipinas squad on home soil.

The Philippines, the principal host of the next tournament with Japan and Indonesia as co-hosts, will formally assume the hosting chores tomorrow at the halftime break of the championship match in Beijing.

“SBP has started to plan and prepare for 2023,” said SBP chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan who left for the Chinese capital yesterday in time for the FIBA Central Board meeting today and the turnover rites tomorrow.

Pangilinan said the challenge is for the SBP to create a great experience for everyone in 2023.

“We need to supply to the spectators and guests an experience like never before and demonstrate Filipino hospitality,” Pangilinan said.

The 2023 edition will mark the first time the WC will be hosted by three countries. 

As main host, the Philippines will stage four preliminary round groups, two second round groups, and the final rounds from the quarterfinals to the gold medal match with the Smart Araneta Coliseum, MOA Arena, Philippine Arena and PhilSports Arena eyed as venues.

To get things started, a team of SBP officials flew to China recently to study the operations and learn from the organizers of the 2019 World Cup while also observing the FIBA Congress proceedings and opening ceremonies.

The SBP will be equally challenged to chart a course for Gilas after its dismal showing in China.

“Much pressure (is) on our Gilas Team, though – which is good. Ergo, let’s do better,” Pangilinan said.

Gilas failed to win a single game in the 2019 worlds, losing badly in all but one of its five assignments there.

The big letdown is expected to lead to a course correction on the Gilas program by the SBP, with a new head coach expected soon following the resignation of coach Yeng Guiao.