THE SAMAHANG Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) expressed their gratefulness to Fiba’s Executive Committee for the country’s inclusion in the shortlist of candidates for the hosting rights of the prestigious 2019 Fiba Basketball World Cup.
The SBP, in a statement released yesterday, said they were satisfied with the Fiba’s recent announcement during the committee’s first meeting of the year last week but they are still striving to finalize their final push for the hosting.
“We are honored that the FIBA Executive Committee has chosen Asia as the site of the 2019 FIBA World Cup, shortlisting the Philippines together with our esteemed Asian brother, China. We shall endeavor to put our best foot forward as we work on the finalization of our bid offer,” the statement said.
Last Monday, Fiba revealed on its website that the international competition will be staged in Asia, leaving China and the Philippines as the remaining contenders. Fiba will announce the winner of the event’s hosting rights in June when the committee reconvenes.
Should the country be successful in its bid, Cebu is expected to play a huge part with the games being held at a yet-to-be-finished stadium being constructed by the SM Group of Companies at the South Road Properties.