DESPITE losing their shot for a berth in this year’s Summer Olympics, the Smart Gilas Pilipinas team got another chance at basketball glory.
This after the FIBA executive committee awarded to the Philippines last Tuesday evening the hosting rights to one of three Olympic qualifying tournaments during their Geneva, Switzerland meeting.
Also named hosts were Belgrade, Serbia and Turin, Italy.
At stake in each qualifying tournament is a berth for the Olympic basketball tournament which the Philippines had not played in since 1972.
Six teams are scheduled to compete in Manila at the Mall of Asia Arena from July 4 to 10.
The draw for this tournament will be held a week from now.
Businessman and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan was elated to hear the news, saying the SBP will do its best to host the qualifying event.