EVERYTHING is set for the country’s hosting of the 2025 South East Asian Basketball Association qualifiers in San Fernando, Pampanga, from May 24-30.
Event Director Butch Antonio said the SamahangBasketbol ng Pilipinas, in coordination with the local government of Pampanga, is ensuring the grand staging of the weeklong meet that serves as a qualifier to the FIBA U16 Asia Cup set in Mongolia later this year.
Six countries will see action in the tournament to be played at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center, led by the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore.
The Gilas Pilipinas youth team will be handled by Barangay Ginebra veteran guard LA Tenorio.
“What we like to happen is to make this a very memorable experience on and off the court. That’s our vision, that’s our objective. We had hosted many meets before with SBP, but every time you host a U-16 or an age group tournament, you always want to make it a little more special,” Antonio said in the Philippine SportswritersAssociation Forum at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex yesterday.
The country will open its bid against Vietnam in the 7 p.m. main game of a triple bill on May 24.
Antonio said in the public sports program presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart/PLDT, Milo, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus, that Indonesia and Thailand are expected to pose the biggest challenge to the Philippines.
“But obviously based on rankings, we’re (Filipinos) the highest ranked team. And next I think is Indonesia. Peroalamnamannatinsa youth teams, until you see them play, karamihandiyanpurobago,” said Antonio, adding the Gilas youth team is also made up of fresh and new faces.
The SBP official added that basketball federation head Al S. Panlilio, executive director Erika Dy, PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann, and Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda are expected to grace the event during its weeklong duration.
Antonio said the Gilas youth squad has a 16-man pool that will be trimmed down to its final 12 a week before the meet.
Only the champion team will advance to the FIBA U16 Asia Cup tournament proper.
