A Philippine basketball team in the 2020 Tokyo Games?
Yes, but not in a regular 5×5 event.
A FIBA official yesterday expressed confidence that Filipinos can go back to the biggest basketball stage via the 3×3 event, saying the country’s hosting of the 3×3 World Cup this June is certainly a big boost.
“It’s going to be amazing, a head start for preparing for the Tokyo Games,” said Alex Sanchez yesterday during the formal launching of the 2018 FIBA 3×3 World Cup held at the Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City.
The Spaniard is FIBA’s managing director for 3×3 event and he knows what he speaks of.
“There will only be eight teams in 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but the Filipinos have a chance to get in. The tournament (3×3) should help build momentum, this will help for sure,” Sanchez added.
There is a different qualifying event for the Olympics with three windows of opportunities, and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio said that he is finalizing details for a Philippine team to join in this events in hopes to make the Games.
As for the 3×3, this will be the first time the country will stage it that will feature 40 nations with 20 squads each for men’s and women’s divisions on June 8 to 12 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
“It’s an exciting time in general for basketball,” said Panlilio. “Of course, there is FIBA World Cup in 2023, which we will host together with Indonesia and Japan, but that’s five years from now.”
“But before that, we’ll have the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, and we’re very excited about it,” added Panlilio.
SBP executive director Sonny Barrios said that there is no roster yet as to who would be included to the four-man team (three to play, one substitution), although some of the players who played in 3×3 before – including Terrence Romeo of GlobalPort – have already signified intention to join.
“We still don’t have the 3×3 team,” said Barrios. “But it’s very heartwarming that we’re getting support from players who already played in the past. We’re looking to form the best team.”
