by Waylon Galvez
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) unveiled new logos; one for the federation and the other is for Gilas Pilipnas in hopes to maximize on the branding of the national team.
SBP president Al Panlilio led the presentation of this latest development on the basketball association, which signify the strength and discipline of the programs the federation will launch.
“That’s the rational behind these (logos),” said Panlilio during a press briefing Monday together with PBA commissioner Willie Marcial held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The logo of the SBP, according to Panlilio is an enhanced design from its previous one since the formation of the association back in 2006 under Manny V. Pangilinan – now the SBP chairman emeritus.
As for the Gilas Pilipinas logo, this is the first time that the SBP will be using an emblem patterned after a combined designs of a Philippine Eagle, a basketball and the Philippine flag.
The design of the logo, Panlilio said, is a result of a research and brainstorming completed by new partner CIGNAL TV, which has also been tabbed to handle the marketing side of Gilas Pilipinas.
“We’ve done a study with the help of CIGNAL, and the Gilas Pilipinas name is the most powerful one. So we’d like to really use the branding of Gilas Pilipinas,” said the SBP chief.
The programs of the SBP will be based on its six pillars.
On top is the men’s Gilas Pilipinas led by coach Yeng Guiao as the national team gears up for this year’s FIBA World Cup in China, followed by the women’s team, which will also use Gilas Pilipinas instead of Perlas Pilipinas under head coach Patrick Aquino.
Also part of the federation’s programs are the Gilas Pilipinas Youth, which has mentor Tab Baldwin as director and Sandy Arrespacochaga as its head coach, and the SBP coaches Academy under coach Jong Uichico, as well as the table officials and referees academy led by Rene “Rebo” Saguisag Jr.
“We set the structure and direction for the SBP, and Gilas will be the main brand,” said Panlilio.
