WHILE the country’s historic hosting of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup is still a good two years from now, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is already bracing for the blue-ribbon cage tilt.
Add to that the progress of women’s basketball in the Philippines and a top-notch staging of the continental joust should be in the offing.
“We’ve been awarded the hosting in 2027. So, we will be preparing for that for sure. In fact, we’re also very happy that we’re focusing on women’s basketball,” SBP President Al Panlilio said. “As you know, in the SBP, there’s men’s, there’s women’s, there’s 5-on-5, and 3-on-3. There’s youth under LA Tenorio.
“We’re improving coaching. We have a referees’ academy that improved officiating and technical personnel. So, it’s a broader target and few pillars for SBP,” he added.
The Filipina dribblers’ strong sixth-place finish in the last Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China best typifies the belles’ development under the SBP and coach Pat Aquino.
“I’m very happy with the development of women’s. Especially what happened in China, first attaining Division A and at the same time, we almost beat Japan, a team that went to the finals. New Zealand also, we were close,” the amiable executive said. “Noong fourth quarter na lang tayo medyo bumigay. But I think it’s a very exciting development in my view. We know we need to continue to improve the program.”
The soon-to-finish SM Seaside Arena in Cebu City could also play host to the Asia Cup, according to Panlilio.
“We haven’t done the details. But the possibility, when I was talking to Mr. Hans Sy, the SM Seaside Arena would be available already by that time. It should finish sometime next year. So, that’s an option,” he said. “I think I heard it’s even a better version of the MOA because what I’m told, there are in fact two courts (at the SM Seaside Arena).
“One practice court and actual playing court. So, it would be nice to bring a few games or maybe a group in Cebu.”
