Philippines set for second FIBA Esports Open

Laban eGilas Pilipinas!

The Philippines is looking for more success in the eSports realm, as the country is set to participate again in the FIBA eSports Open this weekend.

The first edition of the FIBA eSports Open saw the Philippines winning its regional, defeating Indonesia in their five-match, two-nation Southeast Asia regional conference.

This time, however, it will be three-team conference, as Oceania champions Australia join the two to rename the conference as Southeast Asia-Oceania. The merged region joins five other conferences (Africa, North and Central America, South America, Europe, and the Middle East). The groupings were based on geography and server distributions, with the field expanding to 38 national teams.

In addition, game will be played on the PS4 version of the NBA 2K21, still using the Pro-Am mode, which allows for each member of the team to control an individual player character. Teams still retain the ability to fully customize avatars, uniforms, and arena designs. Each team will have the nominal five starters and two reserves.

Once again answering the call for the Philippines is Playbook Laus eSports. All players have had experience in the NBA 2K scene:

Angelico Cruzin (Shintarou)

Aminolah Polog Jr (Rial) - Two-time NBA 2K Asia champion

Custer Galas (Custer) - NBA 2K17 Asia champion

Philippe Alcaraz Herrero IV (IzzoIV) - NBA 2K18 Asia champion

Clark Banzon (Clark)

Arnie Sison (ELChapO)

Rocky Brana (Rak)

Nite Alparas has been named as the coach of this crack squad.

Team Manager Richard Brojan shares, "We are thrilled to once again represent the nation in the FIBA Esports Open II. Being invited back is both an honor and a challenge to Team Pilipinas, which we'll meet with passion and sportsmanship in the true spirit of Philippine Basketball."

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio adds, "The FIBA Esports Open II gives the nation another opportunity to celebrate our passion for basketball through friendly competition with our peers from around the world. I’m confident that Team Pilipinas will once again show the best of what our country has to offer in the sport that we Filipinos love - whether it's on the hardcourt or online."

The team has secured backing from telecom giants PLDT and SMART.

SMART SVP and Consumer Wireless Business Head Jane J. Basas shared the brand's commitment towards eSports, "Our support for Filipino esports athletes through the years is rooted in our firm belief that our players have the skills, talent, and dedication to be at par with the best players in the world. We hope Team Pilipinas can serve as an inspiration to all casual players and fans to aim high and pursue their passions."

eGilas Pilipinas' matches in the tournament will be shown on the Facebook page of the SBP, as well as on FIBA's YouTube and Twitch platforms.