SBP sets lofty goals for 2025

MANILA, Philippines — SBP president Al Panlilio is setting lofty goals for the national basketball teams at every level with the hope of improving their FIBA world rankings to signify progress in the country’s development program.

For Gilas men, Panlilio said he’s aiming for a podium finish in the FIBA Asia Cup on Aug. 5-17 in Jeddah to end a 10-year drought. The Philippines’ last medal in the competition was a silver in Changsha in 2015. Since Australia’s entry in the FIBA Asia Cup in 2017, the Boomers have claimed back-to-back championships, leaving both Gilas and China out of the dais. The FIBA Asia Cup was previously known as the Asian Basketball Confederation championships which the Philippines used to dominate in winning three of the first four editions. The Philippines’ last and fifth title came in 1985 with coach Ron Jacobs.

The Philippines skyrocketed back to regional prominence when Gilas took the Asian Games crown in 2023, its first in 61 years. But Australia doesn’t compete in the Asian Games so the coming FIBA Asia Cup will be a serious test for Gilas, so far unbeaten in four FIBA Asia Cup qualifying games.

Panlilio said he’s hoping the U16 team repeats its FIBA U17 World Cup qualification. In 2023, the Philippines beat Japan and Korea enroute to finishing fourth in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup, qualifying for the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup. The FIBA U16 Asia Cup will be held in Mongolia this year and the top four placers advance to the FIBA U17 World Cup in Turkey on June 17-July 5, 2026. Panlilio noted that a second straight qualification to the FIBA U17 World Cup would be a boost as “we are better than our current ranking.”

For the women’s squad, Panlilio said the goal is a top six finish in the FIBA Asia Cup slated on July 13-20 in Shenzhen. If the Philippines finishes within the top six, it will qualify for the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin on Sept. 4-13, 2026. In 3x3, Panlilio said he’s hoping the men’s team improves its ranking from 40 to at least 25 and the women’s squad from 20 to at least 16.

As for his wishes for the new year, Panlilio said his dream is for SBP to hold office in its own home. He’s also aiming for stronger regional and grassroots programs and more united stakeholders in contributing to sustainable programs for SBP.