FIBA global partner Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has officially begun its year-long countdown to the much-anticipated Philippine hosting of the FIBA World Cup 2023 with a glimpse of world-class basketball action from the fourth window of the FIBA Asian qualifiers matches that will pit Gilas Pilipinas against Lebanon on Friday in Beirut at 2 a.m. and Saudi Arabia on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m.
In time for the countdown, Gilas announced that NBA star Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto of the Adelaide 36ers will be suiting up for the games, which will be streamed live on the Smart GigaPlay App.
Fans may also experience the Gilas vs. Saudi Arabia action live at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Joining Clarkson and Sotto in the nationals’ 13-man team are PBA stars led by reigning MVP Scottie Thompson. Also on the list are Japeth Aguilar, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Carl Tamayo, and free agent Roosevelt Adams. Completing the squad are Japan B.League’s Kiefer Ravena, Thirdy Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks, Jr., and Dwight Ramos.
“We can’t wait to bring the FIBA World Cup to the Philippines on August 25, 2023. To watch the best players in the world — including current NBA greats — means everything for Filipino basketball fans. We at Smart are honored to make this possible,” Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart President/CEO and President of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas said.
“To give us a taste of what’s going to happen one year from now, we will host the Gilas vs. Saudi Arabia game on Aug. 29 at the MOA Arena. Our national team will be led by no less than Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto,” Panlilio added.
Aside from his roles with Smart and the SBP, Panlilio also serves as the chairman of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 local organizing committee, and the second vice president of FIBA Asia Central Board.
As FIBA global partner, Smart enables customers to immerse in world-class basketball action powered by the Philippines’ Best Mobile Network as recognized by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence.
“With the fastest speeds and the widest coverage enjoyed by Smart users, basketball fans can enjoy the energy, the excitement, and everything that comes with topnotch basketball action. Games will feature not only our very own but also the world’s top basketball stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo of Greece, Luka Doncic of Slovenia, and LeBron James of Team USA at the FIBAWC 2023,” shares Francis E. Flores, SVP and Head of Consumer Business Group