Gilas Pilipinas to face Macau Black Bears in FIBA Asia Cup sendoff

From the SBP

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has set up an official send-off for Gilas Pilipinas onto their FIBA Asia Cup aspirations.

Taking place on July 28, The Gilas Men will face off against the Macau Black Bears at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum for a friendly.

Tip-off is estimated to be at 730pm.

SBP President Al Panlilio says about the upcoming friendly, "Playing tuneup games before Gilas dives into the FIBA Asia Cup will only help the team out."

He adds, "While the team gets good competition, it’s also an opportunity for our Gilas fans to band together and send their team off before they fly out to Saudi Arabia. It’s a short preparation window as many of our players saw action in the semifinals of the Philippine Cup, which was another reason why the SBP wanted Gilas to have a tuneup game here."

Macau has had previous experience in helping nations with their preparations, having faced off against China last year. 

Founded in 2017 as Chong Son Kung Fu, they made their continental debut in the ASEAN Basketball League, and was one of two new teams in the East Asia Super League this past season. In addition, they are part of roster of sides involved in The Asian Tournament. Their combination of natives, diaspora, and reinforcements under the leadership of Garrett Kelly will provide a good test.

As noted by head coach Tim Cone, "They beat the Chinese national team. They are really strong. They’ve got good imports. It could be a very interesting friendly for us."

The Philippines is hoping to improve its ninth-place finish from the last edition of the FIBA Asia Cup, and will be battling against New Zealand, Chinese-Taipei, and Iraq in first round action at Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Gilas is expected to be in full strength, save for Kai Sotto, who is still recovering from an ACL injury.

Tickets are now available via https://www.ticketnet.com.ph/

FIBA Asia Cup for Women trophy set for Philippine tour

FIBA Asia Cup for Women Trophy 

The Philippines will have a special tourist for the next couple of days, as the trophy for the FIBA Asia Cup for Women is now in the country, allowing fans to have a closer look at the continent's top prize for women's basketball, as well as highlight and celebrate the growing local legacy of the sport.

Personally hand carried by FIBA-Asia's Head of Communications Magesh Saba, it marked its arrival with a special invite-only gathering at the MAAX branch of Buffalo's Wings 'N Things that included select media members, as well as the Gilas Pilipinas Women's team. BWNT is among the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas' official partners for the tour.

The next couple of days of the tour also is set to highlight local pride and community roots. 

On the second day of the tour, June 17, the trophy is off to Malolos, Bulacan, the hometown of Jack Danielle Animam. A motorcade is set to weave across the streets of the historic city, which will include passing through its city hall and culminate at the historic Barasoain Church.

The third and final day of the tour, June 18, will be headed to five universities, of which its alumnae have figured in the recent ascent of the sport in the local scene through their participation in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines as student-athletes.

Serving as the first stop of the tour in at De La Salle University, where the trophy will be displayed in front of the St. La Salle Building. Khate Castillo, whom fans remember as the one who beat Sabrina Ionescu in a shootout when the American standout visited the country earlier this year, was a feared shooter from distance with the Lady Archers.

It then heads to National University, where current Gilas Women head coach Patrick Aquino engineered the Lady Bulldogs into one of the premier dynasties in the UAAP, with the likes of Afril Bernardino, Animam, Stef Berberabe, Angel Surada, and Monique del Carmen, and now producing future stalwarts like Cielo Pagdulagan into its ranks.

Acting as the midway point of the campus tour is the University of Santo Tomas, featuring former UAAP champion Kent Pastrana, who is set to make her senior national team debut. The trophy is set to make an appearance at the Arch of the Centuries within the campus that is set to host the UAAP's 88th season.

From Manila, it is set to travel to Quezon City, where it will reside at the Blue Eagle Gym, the iconic sports facility inside the Loyola Heights campus of Ateneo de Manila University. Two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Kacey dela Rosa holds the fort for the Lady Eagles, whether in 5x5 or 3x3. Fellow Blue Eagle Katrina Guytingco has been part of multiple medal-winning teams during the SEA Games.

The final stop of the tour will see a short run along Katipunan Avenue into the University of the Philippines, where it will be set beside the iconic Oblation statue. Aquino's alma mater has a couple of up-and-coming standouts in Louna Ozar and Camille Nolasco set to establish the Fighting Maroons as not just a force in men's basketball, but also on the women's side.

The SBP will provide the necessary content throughout the tour through its official social media platforms.

SBP partners with SGA to Support its 3x3 Women teams

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas x Strong Group Athletics

Seeking to continue its progress in women's 3x3 basketball, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas have entered into a partnership with sports patron Strong Group Athletics.

Sealed last week, the SBP-SGA partnership sees the latter help with regards to preparations towards the Gilas Women's 3x3 competitions later this year, both in the senior and U23 levels.

Executive Director Erika Dy says of the partnership, "We’re happy for the support of Strong Group Athletics. They’ve been an ally in promoting and supporting women’s sports and we’re looking forward to providing our Filipina ballers the training and competition they need to reach their full potential."

From SGA's perspective, President Jacob Lao shares, "At Strong Group Athletics, we believe in the power of collaboration to elevate Philippine basketball. Partnering with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is a step towards fostering growth at every level—developing young talent, supporting our national teams, and strengthening the foundation of the sport we love."

The former Ateneo student-athlete adds, "Strong Group is fully committed to this cause, supporting the SBP in its mission, including helping women's basketball reach greater heights with the ultimate goal of making it to the Olympics."

With an eye towards the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup and the Southeast Asian Games, Gilas Women are coming off two podium finishes in recent competitions.

The quartet of Mikka Cacho, Camille Clarin, Jhazmin Joson, and Hazelle Yam, they made it to the semifinals of the third edition of Manila Hustle 3x3. Kaye Pingol, who was playing for her club side Uratex Dream in this competition, replaced Yam for the Season 2 edition of Jumpshot 3x3 in Singapore.

Cacho, Clarin, Joson, and Pingol are slated to be the Gilas Women quartet slated to participate in the Got Game 3x3 competitions scheduled this weekend at the UP Community Court.

As for the U23 team, who also competed in Manila Hustle and earned an eleventh place finish, they are slated to participation in the 2025 edition of the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League in a couple of months.

All systems go for eFIBA World Finals in Clark

 Standing from L to R - Julian Mallillin - Coach Nite Alparas - Clark Banzon - Seating from L to R - Prich Diez - Kenneth Gutierrez - Isaiah Alindada

The stage is set, the teams are ready, and the world will be watching as the Philippines hosts the eFIBA World Finals presented by Predator and sponsored by Smart, PLDT, Red Bull, and Nike. It will be on December 11 and 12 at the SMX Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga.

Eight teams qualified through Regional Championships in eFIBA Season 3 and these squads have been divided into two groups. Group A has USA, Algeria, Portugal, and Saudi Arabia while Group B will feature Brazil, New Zealand, Turkiye, and the Philippines.

“Esports has seen a massive rise in popularity in the past few years and FIBA wanted to grow the sport of basketball not just on the court but in that field as well,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy. “The SBP is fully committed to FIBA in this endeavour and that is the reason why we’re hosting the eFIBA World Finals in Clark. The SBP’s ability in hosting world-class events is proven and we’re hopeful the World Finals will be added to the long list of successful FIBA events we’ve had in the Philippines.”

The public is invited to witness the event as admission is free.

To further heat up the event, the SBP is also hosting a 1v1 Showdown that is open to all 2K Gamers.

“We’re inviting everyone to support the eFIBA World Finals and our very own eGilas Pilipinas as they take on the world’s best at the SMX Convention Center,” added Dy. “We appreciate the consistent support from Smart in all of the SBP events including the World Finals and we’ve also partnered with the Laus Group to give our eGilas the best shot at winning. We’re banking on the help of the hometown crowd to help them out.”

Molten Philippines forges partnership with SBP for 3x3

SONAK, the official distributor of Molten in the Philippines, and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) today announced a landmark partnership for the ongoing SBP 3×3 Pambansang Tatluhan 2024, further solidifying their commitment to the growth and development of basketball in the Philippines. The contract signing ceremony took place at the SBP Office Launchpad Building in Mandaluyong, with Ms. Ishina Buxani, Marketing Director of SONAK and Erika Dy, SBP Executive Director.

Co-presented by Molten Philippines, the SBP 3×3 Pambansang Tatluhan is a nationwide 3×3 basketball tournament which is a grassroot program designed to develop young Filipino basketball event and aimed at promoting the sport and discovering new talent across the country. Molten Philippines, a leading global provider of sports equipment, will supply the official balls and other sports equipment for the tournament, including the innovative Molten B+ game unit. The Molten B+ is a new, movable, and easy-to-setup basketball court that will bring the excitement of 3×3 basketball which will be installed at SM North EDSA during the final games, ensuring a high-quality and competitive experience for all participants.

The tournament will culminate in a thrilling National Finals, where the winners of regional qualifiers will battle for the championship title. The National Finals will take place on August 10-11, 2024, at SM North EDSA, The Block – Atrium in Quezon City.

"We are honored to partner with SBP for the SBP 3×3 Pambansang Tatluhan," said Ms. Buxani. "This partnership underscores our shared passion for basketball and our dedication to supporting its growth at all levels. We believe that this tournament will provide a valuable platform for aspiring basketball players to showcase their skills and pursue their dreams."

Dy, SBP Executive Director, added, "We are grateful to SONAK (Molten Philippines) for their support of the SBP 3×3 Pambansang Tatluhan. Their commitment to providing top-quality equipment will undoubtedly enhance the overall experience for our athletes. We look forward to a successful tournament and the continued growth of 3×3 basketball in the Philippines."

Gilas Pilipinas falls short against Türkiye in OQT prep

c/o TBF

Gilas Pilipinas fell short in  tuneup game against Türkiye in Istanbul, 84-73, as the squad continued their preparations for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Justin Brownlee paced the Filipinos with 21 points, while June Mar Fajardo backed him up with a double-double of seventeen points and eleven rebounds. 

No other Gilas player scored in double figures, with youngsters Carl Tamayo and Kai Sotto each chipping in seven points. Dwight Ramos, who has been given a bigger responsibility in setting up the offense due to the absence of Scottie Thompson, had a good all around performance with eight rebounds and seven assists, although he struggled with his scoring with only four points. 

EuroLeague veteran and 2023 NBA Draftee Tarik Biberovic led Türkiye with 23 points on 5 of 9 shooting from the three-point range. His fifth triple broke the game open late, establishing an 81-73 lead after Gilas managed to reduce things to a two-possession game.

The hosts were in control for much of the game, although Gilas remained within striking distance, as they managed to be only down by a couple at the half, 40-42.

Unfortunately for the Philippines, Türkiye got hot from deep in securing the victory in front of their home fans.

Behind Biberovic's efforts, they would finish 14/41 from beyond the arc.

In addition, they also feasted on the free throw line, converting 18/22 from the stripe, compared to just seven attempts from the Philippines.

“It was a tough loss against Turkey. We had our first taste of the type of opposition we will be facing in the OQT,” said Gilas team manager Richard Del Rosario. “While others may see it as a satisfying first game, our team mindset is - almost is not enough. We only have one shot at make it to the Olympics and we cannot be satisfied with almost winning. We move on to the next game with a firmer belief that we can hold our own against higher ranked teams with a real chance of reaching our mission of making it to Paris.”

The Philippines is set to travel to Sosnowiec for a friendly against a fellow OQT-bound team in Poland this Saturday.

SBP forms alliance with Uratex Dream for FIBA Women’s Series debut of Gilas Women

c/o SBP

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is taking a solid step to boost our chances in qualifying for 3x3 basketball in the Olympics.

The NSA has formalized a partnership with club side Uratex Dream in a move to help improve its FIBA 3x3 ranking.

SBP Executive Director Erika Dy shares, "Federation ranking is almost everything in the 3x3 universe. The more high-level events you join, the more points you earn."

She adds, "This partnership allows us to join up to 10 stops of the Women’s Series which could improve our ranking by more than 10 spots by the end of the season."

Unlike 5x5, 3x3 uses its rankings to help determine not just its Olympic participants, but also its field in its major national team competitions like the World Cup. Asian rival China, for instance, locked in its berth to Paris by November 2023 thanks to its ranking strength in both men and women.

Dy also notes that SBP President Al S. Panlilio has given his blessing towards this route to Los Angeles in 2028. "SBP president Al has always pushed for the growth of 3x3 as he firmly believes the Philippines should be competing at the Olympic level," she says.

Dream owner Peachy Medina is set to provide Gilas Women with financial and personnel resources. 

Anton Altamirano will collaborate with Dream coach Kat Quimpo on finding ways that the Philippines can maximize points on the scheduled Women's Series legs, with the 2024 edition having started already a few weeks ago in Springfield. Anton has experience navigating the FIBA 3x3 experience, having coached at the Challenger and 3x3 World Tour circuit.

He says about this partnership, "We are very thankful to the efforts of SBP headed by our executive director Ms Erika Dy and with the partnership of Uratex Dream; we are joining the Women’s series for the very first time."

Anton also adds, "This is a very good development and it will help us in boosting our federation rankings in our ultimate goal of the 2028 Olympics. Every step is important and this is definitely one of the first steps towards the main goal."

Women's basketball advocate Medina is very much thrilled to have this partnership. "I am very grateful to SBP for making this happen. This is indeed a giant leap for Philippine women’s basketball," she says.

Quimpo, on the other hand, is ecstatic about this development. The former Ateneo mentor says, "SBP's decision to join the FIBA WS is a testament of how invested the federation is in the development of women's basketball in the country and how far we have come to confidently compete against the world's best teams." 

There are eighteen more legs scheduled in the tour, with the next one coming at the end of the month in Marseille.

Set to be the initial pool of candidates for the WS Tour are Gilas Women stalwarts Camille Clarin, Mikka Cacho, and Angel Surada, with 3x3 standouts Hazelle Yam, Allana Lim, and Sam Harada. Completing the group is the top-ranked 3x3 Filipina in Kaye Pingol and Tantoy Ferrer, who is fresh from helping the University of Santo Tomas claim both 3x3 and 5x5 titles in the UAAP.

SBP encouraging Basketball for Good applications

As FIBA unveils its Propose a Project program, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is encouraging basketball enthusiasts nationwide to participate.

Through FIBA Foundation, whose ethos is "that basketball can serve as a catalyst to empower, educate, and inspire youth through the implementation of Basketball For Good projects all over the world," establishing said program allows it to put that into practice.

For 2023, 42 projects from 35 countries got greenlit, and for this coming year, interested parties have until March 31 to send their applications, which has to fit any of these five categories: Basketball for Health and Wellbeing, for Equality and Inclusion, for Culture and Education, for Peace and Conflict Resolution, or for Climate and Environment.

Upon approval, these supported projects will receive financial, equipment, and/or mentoring support, while also joining the Basketball For Good community where there are additional opportunities for exchange, mentoring and support can be obtained.

In sharing this development, SBP Executive Director Erika Dy says, "We at the SBP would like to encourage all basketball stakeholders in the Philippines to apply for the grant. We are aware that many Filipinos are already using basketball for good and we would like them to tap into FIBA Foundation’s resources to push their projects forward and maximize the impact in their respective communities."

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is calling on basketball enthusiasts all over the country to apply for FIBA Foundation’s “Propose a Project” program.

Interested parties can check out the guidelines on this link. It also requires a letter of support from the SBP, which you can reach by emailing info@sbp.ph.

Erika Dy named as SBP Executive Director

From L-R: Vice President Ricky Vargas, Executive Director Erika Dy, President Al Panlilio (c/o SBP)

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Monday officially appointed Erika Dy as its Executive Director by holding a ceremonial signing alongside President Al Panlilio and Vice President Ricky Vargas.

Fresh from her Deputy Director responsibilities at the FIBA World Cup, Dy will now serve as lead implementor of the SBP's programs and oversee its strategic planning, all of which will be in line with FIBA's continued push to grow the sport.

This is in conjunction with her recently-appointed role in FIBA as its chair of the Legal Commission.

Panlilio says about Dy, "We’re very excited to work with Erika as she brings new energy into the federation. We worked closely with her during the FIBA Basketball World Cup and saw up close what she brought to the table. With her experience as a basketball player, a coach, a sports advocate, and one of the primary implementers of the World Cup, we know she is capable of broadening the imprint of the SBP."

On her part, Erika says, "It’s an honor to be entrusted by the SBP with this role. Basketball has been a huge part of my life and I’m thankful to be given the opportunity to give back to the sport and the basketball community. The SBP has done so much since its founding led by Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan and it is exciting to join the federation at such a pivotal time."

Prior to her FIBA World Cup commitments, Dy represented Ateneo in the UAAP as a member of the Board of Managing Directors, which included her role as chair of the league's Licensing Committee. She was a former player and head coach for the Blue Eagles in women's basketball and served the school in an administrative capacity as its Assistant Athletic Director.

In addition, she also has a Master's Degree in Sports Management from Columbia University and is a California-licensed attorney.

Dy has already hit the ground running with her new responsibilities, being present at the recent turnover ceremony for one of the FIBA World Cup courts to the Philippine Sports Commission, as well as collaborating with key basketball officials under its umbrella, including Jong Uichico (Coaches Academy), Norman Black (Grassroots), Eric Altamirano (3x3), and Anton Gonzales (Institutional Support).

SBP forges partnership with Arena Plus with Cignal TV

From left to right: Eric Centeno – Vice President and Head of Content Innovations and Solutions for CignalTV, Sonny Barrios – Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director and FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Philippines Local Event Director, Mr. Andy Tsui – President of DigiPlus Interactive Corporation and Mr. Jasper Vicencio - President of ArenaPlus.

A new partnership has been forged for the upcoming FIBA World Cup, as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Cignal TV, and ArenaPlus joined forces.

The deal was formalized at the Cignal Experience Center of the Launchpad Building in Mandaluyong last August 8.

In making this announcement, DigiPlus Interactive Corporation President Mr. Andy Tsui shares, "As a leading leisure entertainment provider in the country, our commitment is unwavering – we strive to offer quality entertainment that's accessible and affordable for all, regardless of your social status."

From the SBP perspective, Executive Director and Philippines Local Event Director Mr. Sonny Barrios is elated with the partnership, noting that he had sought additional assistance in particular to the women's side given their recent movements abroad. The NSA already has a previous partnership in place with ArenaPlus as Gilas Pilipinas' Official Sportsbook Partner.

As for Cignal, according to Vice President and Head of Content Innovations and Solutions Eric Centeno, the World Cup partnership is the start of a long collaboration, as the deal will last until 2025, including the Asian Games later this year and next year's Paris Olympics.

ArenaPlus president Mr. Jasper Vicencio echoed these sentiments. He says, "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for trusting ArenaPlus and giving us the opportunity to support GILAS Pilipinas. I can't wait for more fruitful engagements with this incredible team in the next two years. And as they say in GILAS, 'Puso,' as we promise to put our hearts into this partnership."

Single Game Tickets Now Available for FIBA World Cup

Filipino basketball fans will have the chance to check out the best basketball in the world, as the local organizers of the 2023 edition of the FIBA World Cup has now made available for purchase single game tickets.

Fans will have the chance to buy tickets for as low as PhP 499, with the most expensive tickets varying from just over PhP 11,099 to as high as PhP 27,299.

Tickets for games at the Mall of Asia Arena can be had via SM Tickets, while Ticketnet handles the ones at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, as well as the Philippine Arena, where the opening doubleheader between Angola and Italy and hosts Philippines against Dominican Republic will take place.

A musical performance featuring select Filipino artists will take place in between the Philippine Arena doubleheader.

Meanwhile, serving as the opening double-header at the MOA Arena is Mexico-Montenegro, followed by Egypt-Lithuania.

The next day will see the first set of matches at the Big Dome, featuring South Sudan and Puerto Rico and Serbia against China, while the MOA Arena will have Jordan-Greece and the United States versus New Zealand.

Gilas Pilipinas will face Angola for its first match at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on August 27.

With the event ever creeping closer, the players are also reflecting similar moods.

Dwight Ramos shares, "Ever since I was included in the 23 for 2023 list back in 2018, playing in the World Cup has been the dream. Everything I’ve done as a player, all the work I’ve put in, leads to that moment."

Jamie Malonzo adds, "I’ve had the pleasure of playing at the Philippine Arena for Ginebra with more than 50,000 fans, and it was unbelievable. I don’t think having the World Cup at home again will happen in our lifetime, so I hope the fans come out and support us. I think it’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone."

MOA Arena to host FIBA World Cup Final Phase

FIBA released a statement on Friday, swapping the Final Phase of matches originally scheduled for the Philippine Arena in Bulacan to the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Statement is as follows:

The final stage of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will now be played at the Mall of Asia Arena. This was announced earlier today by FIBA, moving the games of the Final Phase that were earlier scheduled for the Philippine Arena.

“The priority that led to this decision is the experience of our fans. This is in service of the Filipino basketball fan, as well as those arriving from all over the world,” said SBP President Al Panlilio.

“We thank our brothers and sisters from the Iglesia ni Cristo and the Philippine Arena Management, specifically, for being a true partner in this endeavor and we appreciate their support of the final decision that was reached.”

The Group Phase will still be played at the Mall of Asia Arena, Araneta Coliseum, Okinawa Arena, and Indonesia Arena, but the Final Phase will be exclusively played in the Pasay venue.

The Philippine Arena, however, will be the venue as Gilas Pilipinas plays its first FIBA Basketball World Cup game at home in 45 years. On August 25, the Philippine team will open its campaign in the World Cup and a game of this magnitude could only be held inside the world’s largest indoor arena.

“The main consideration leading to the decision was the requirement to provide consistent and swift transfer for the teams and fans to multiples games over the six days of the Final Phase. Despite improvements tested with transport and traffic engineers, the Board came to the conclusion that an event with multiple sessions in one day like the Final Phase of the World Cup must be delivered to the standards required for the players and fans experience.” said David Crocker, Executive Director for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

As an assurance to those who have already secured their tickets, appropriate emails will be sent individually informing them of the venue change and further continued advice as to their tickets and seats.

The final details as to which affected matches of Gilas Pilipinas will be revealed with the result of the World Cup draw on Saturday night.

Unilab enters into FIBA World Cup partnership

From L-R: Sunshine Aquino – Assistant Vice President, Unilab, Kathrine Margaret Claire Martinez – Division Vice President, Unilab, Jose Antonio Evangelista – Operating Vice President, Unilab, JIP – FBWC23 official mascot, John Lucas – Head of Operations, JMC PH, Joseph Barrios – Head of Marketing, JMC PH

The 2023 iteration of the FIBA World Cup gets another partner, as the leading pharmaceutical healthcare company in the Philippines, Unilab, has stepped in to be a major local sponsor of the event.

To mark this occasion, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan and President Alfredo S. Panlilio welcomed the organization, represented by Assistant Vice President Sunshine Aquino, Division Vice President Kathrine Margaret Claire Martinez, and Operating Vice President Jose Antonio Evangelista, with a simple ceremony.

MVP shares, "We welcome UNILAB to this prestigious event that will be followed by nations throughout the world. This partnership will go a long way in ensuring the success of our country’s efforts to co-host this grand event, a national endeavor if ever there was one since this marks only the second time in our history that we will be staging a world basketball championship."

Panlilio adds, "We thank UNILAB for agreeing to be part of this once in a lifetime experience, and to share in this global activity, this journey which in a sense is truly a merger of world caliber sports and big business. We at SBP stand proudly with UNILAB in declaring our steadfast commitment to the Filipino people and to our national players in forging one of the most successful FIBA World Cups ever." He also paid tribute to UNILAB’S sense patriotism and generosity in coming to the aid of the national team and of the overall effort to promote the country to the whole world as a shining example of leadership, organization and hospitality.

From Unilab's perspective, Corporate Vice President Alexander S. Panlilio says, "partnering with the FBWC23, and being able to support our local athletes as they go up to compete against the best in the world, is an irresistible call. Who better to support our Filipino athletes than fellow Filipinos like UNILAB? Our mission is to care for them — as manifested in our company slogan Alagang UNILAB — and this is one way to do that."

FIBA World Cup Executive Director David Crocker notes, "In order for something as huge as the FIBA Basketball World Cup to be successful, it must have great partnerships such as this. We welcome UNILAB on board and look forward to working closely with them in the lead up to basketball’s biggest international event."

To commemorate the partnership, Unilab's Alaxan brand has been designated as the Official Body Pain Reliever of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. Trusted by Filipinos for over fifty years, [Ibuprofen + Paracetamol] Alaxan has been championing Filipino athletes and everyday warriors. For the FIBA World Cup, Alaxan will enable the athletes to perform at maximum level during the games, reaching up to their full potential and rallying behind them to success.

Initial SEAG pool for Gilas, Gilas Women, 3x3 revealed

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas submitted its initial pool of players for participation at the upcoming 32nd edition of the SEA Games this coming May in Cambodia.

SBP President Al Panlilio shares, "That moment is upon us, and we’re not leaving any stone unturned in our overall bid to regain basketball glory in our region."

He adds, "“What we’ve gone through after that fateful day in Hanoi, both the wins and the losses in the
various tournaments that followed, are, in effect, geared also toward bringing the SEA Games
gold medal back to our shores. And once Gilas assembles and starts practice for the competition in Cambodia, I expect nothing else but 100 percent effort and serious resolve in sending the most competitive national team possible to do the job of winning back the Gold. That is our commitment to our basketball-loving countrymen."

Leading the 28 players called up for 5x5 action with Gilas Pilipinas are six-time PBA Most Valuable Player JuneMar Fajardo, and recent national team debutant Justin Brownlee.

Japeth Aguilar (Barangay Ginebra)
Kevin Louie Alas (NLEX)
Raymond Almazan (Meralco)
Mason Francis Amos (incoming Ateneo)
Norman Aaron Black (Meralco)
Justin Brownlee (Ginebra)
Ariel John Edu (Toledo)
John Paul Erram (TNT)
June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel)
Jeremiah Gray (Ginebra)
Marcio Lassiter (San Miguel)
Jerom Lastimosa (Adamson)
Jamie Malonzo (Ginebra)
Chris Newsome (Meralco)
Calvin John Oftana (TNT)
CJ Perez (San Miguel)
Benjamin Phillips III (La Salle)
Michael Phillips (La Salle)
Roger Pogoy (TNT)
Stanley Pringle Jr (Ginebra)
Karl Kevin Quiambao (La Salle)
Chris Ross (San Miguel)
Brandon Rosser (NLEX)
Christian Standhardinger (Ginebra)
Earl Scottie Thompson (Ginebra)
Arvin Tolentino (Northport)
Michael Williams (TNT)
Deschon Winston (unattached)

Notable new additions include the Philips brothers of DLSU and AJ Edu of Toledo.

Seeking a third straight gold medal, 25 names comprise the initial pool that head coach Pat Aquino will select for the Gilas Women, led by a group of National University Lady Bulldogs, both current and alumnae, including the likes of Afril Bernardino, Jack Animam, Mikka Cacho, and Camille Clarin.

Jack Danielle Animam
Afril Bernardino
Stefanie Ann Berberabe
Katelyn Bobadilla
France Mae Cabinbin
Mikka Cacho
Ana Alicia Katrina Castillo
Clare Castro
Kristine Cayabyab
Camille Izabel Clarin
Monique Del Carmen
Kacey Dela Rosa
Ella Patrice Fajardo
Aurea Day Marie Gingras
Katrina Guytingco
Mai Loni Lashae’ Henson
Jhazmin Joson
Kennan Elizabeth Ka
Louna Ozar
Karl Ann Pingol
Janine Pontejos
Sofia Isabella Roman
Angelica Marie Surada
Marizze Andrea Tongco
Kristan Geyl Yumul

In addition, there is also an inclusion of youth standouts, led by Fairleigh Dickinson reserve Ella Fajardo, Long Beach State's Kennan Ka, and George Washington's Aurea Gingras, as well as recent U18 callups Kate Bobadilla, Louna Ozar, and Kristan Yumul.

As for 3x3, Ange Kouame returns to the scene to be the lone callup not currently playing in the PBA 3x3 scene. The Ateneo big man has 3x3 experience after helping Ateneo win the competition in UAAP Season 81 back in 2019.

The cast includes the quartet set for participation in the upcoming FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup slated this week in Singapore: Brandon Bates, Samboy de Leon, Jorey Napoles, and Almond Vosotros.

Brandon Matthew Bates
Alfred Ryan Batino
Rodel Samboy De Leon
Joseph Emmanuel Eriobu
Lervin Flores
Kakou Ange Frank Kouame
Jeffrey Manday
Jorey Napoles
Joseph Sedurifa
Almond Vosotros

The men's 3x3 team will be helmed by Lester del Rosario, and is seeking to reclaim the gold after settling for bronze last year.

Aquino opted to go within the 5x5 pool for the women's 3x3 field, which also includes the quartet set for FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup participation in Bernardino, Castillo, Castro, and Pontejos. They are looking to secure another medal after falling short last time.

Jack Danielle Animam
Afril Bernardino
Ana Alicia Katrina Castillo
Clare Castro
Kristine Cayabyab
Quinn Kacey Dela Rosa
Mai Loni Leshae’ Henson
Janine Pontejos

Castllo, dela Rosa, and Pontejos comprised three members of the Lady Macbeth Riots that claimed the inaugural Manila Hustle 3x3 competition held back in February at Robinson's Magnolia, alongside Guytingco.

Free shuttle rides available for Gilas-Lebanon ticketholders

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is encouraging fans to be make themselves prevalent for today's 6pm FIBA World Cup Qualifying matchup against Lebanon.

With the match taking place at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, the federation has arranged for free shuttle rides emanating from SM Grand Central at Caloocan as well as SM North EDSA in Quezon City.

Shuttle rides start at 2pm on a first-come, first-served basis.

Those who took advantage of the ride to the arena can also use it to head back to their origin.

If unable to make it to the venue, fans can still watch the game through Cignal's platforms, as well as SMART LiveStream.

SBP seeks volunteers for World Cup hosting

With the opening of the 2023 iteration of the FIBA World Cup on August 25 creeping closer, the next stage of preparations was launched earlier this month, with the Local Organizing Committee introducing its Volunteer Program at the Novotel hotel inside Araneta City.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Chairman Emeritus Manuel V. Pangilinan shares, "The monumental task of co-hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, including its final phase, is upon us, and the challenge to deliver has never been as daunting. But we Filipinos have always been known to come together and unite for causes most worthy, and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, I sincerely believe, will move us to showcase that quality to the rest of the world."

He adds, "I therefore invite every Filipino, from all walks of life, to be part of this global sporting event, starting with the launch of its own Volunteers Program."

SBP President Al S. Panlilio says, "We at the SBP are in full support of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Volunteers Program. We will extend all possible resources both here in Manila and around the country, to ensure that anyone who wants to contribute to this worthy cause is able to do so."

The program seeks to determine around five hundred volunteers that embody the "Bayanihan" spirit and showcase our world-class Filipino hospitality.

Interested applicants will need to meet these requirements:

• Need to be at least eighteen years of age by August 1, 2023
• Fluent in English and Filipino (knowledge of additional languages will help)
• Fit to render work
• Confident and comfortable dealing with stressful situations, and ones with conflict
• Fully vaccinated (will need proof of vaccination)
• Residents of the Philippines

In addition, the Volunteer Program will also reflect FIBA's preference in establishing a diverse and inclusive basketball community.

Successful applicants would be assigned to a specific aspect of the World Cup hosting of their choosing, including Sports, Venues, Games Services, International Relations and Protocol, Safety and Security, FIBA World Congress, among others. They would be entitled to have the official tournament uniforms, meals, IDs, transportation allowance, and a certificate of participation.

One can register at www.fbwc2023.rosterfy.com/register, with those who have inquiries can send their questions and clarifications to volunteers@philippines.worldcup.basketball.

FIBA World Cup 2023 co-hosts make their initial picks

Fans have a slight idea on which team is headed where in the 2023 iteration of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, with the co-hosts picking preferred teams to be in their respective domains.

The decision of Central Board illustrates that the United States will be in one of four groups playing in the Philippines, once they lock in their spot after the final window of qualifying. It is a move done based on commercial reasons, with neither impact on the tournament's integrity or the process for the draw.

The corresponding move by fellow co-hosts Japan and Indonesia will see Slovenia headed to Okinawa to be a part of one of two groups, with Canada off to Jakarta, also as part of one of two groups. Both countries have already locked in their spot in the competition.

Once the final window of qualifying has been completed in the end of February, the complete Draw Principles for the World Cup will be established. One aspect of the draw, which will take place in Manila on April 29, has already been confirmed, as the Philippines is already assured in a spot in Pot 1 alongside the top teams in the FIBA rankings. In the process, it ensures Gilas Pilipinas will not be in the same group as the defending Olympics 5x5 champions.

Once the groups have been determined, Day Passes and single-game tickets will be made available for purchase.

SBP statement on Brownlee naturalization developments

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas late Wednesday night released a statement from its president Al Panlilio with regards to the progress of the naturalization of Justin Brownlee.

The full statement reads as follows:

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and I, in behalf of all basketball-loving Filipinos who eagerly await the sixth and final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Philippine Arena in February next year, would like to thank the House Committee On Justice, chaired by Rep. Juliet Marie De Leon Ferrer, for approving on initial hearing the application for naturalization of Justin Brownlee.

I also am grateful to 1-Pacman Partylist Rep. Mikee Romero for authoring House Bill 825, and to Deputy Speaker and Antipolo Rep. Robbie Puno and other members of the Justice Committee, for their prompt approval of the bill which will now be submitted to the House Committee on Rules for second reading.

The bill then goes through the Senate before it reaches the desk of the President for his signature.

As celebrated as Gilas Pilipinas’ Middle East victories over Jordan and Saudi Arabia in Window 5 of the Asian Qualifiers were, the hometown crowd, I believe, would want nothing more than to savor two more Gilas PH triumphs — against Lebanon and Jordan — right in our own country to wrap up preparation and as prelude to the FIBA World Cup in August 2023.

Hopefully we can achieve that, and this time with Justin Brownlee leading the way.

Again, my sincerest thanks to the House and the Senate for their unbridled support to Philippine basketball.

The House of Representatives have a couple of months within their window to deliberate through the process on the Brownlee naturalization bill, with the final window for the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers set to take place in late February.

SBP reveals Gilas squad versus Lebanon

Para sa Bayan

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas officially revealed the team it will field against Lebanon on Friday morning (Manila time), the first of its two games scheduled in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

From the the thirteen that flew to Beirut, Roosevelt Adams was the odd man out as Chot Reyes opts for a team led by Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson and Adelaide 36ers big man Kai Sotto.

B-League players Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, as well as Bobby Ray Parks and Dwight Ramos join in, with Carl Tamayo of the University of the Philippines being the lone non-professional representative.

Completing the team are the players from the PBA in Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra, Calvin Oftana of NLEX, Chris Newsome of Meralco, and Jamie Malonzo of NorthPort.

The latter two are making their national team debut after getting clearance from FIBA to be designated as locals.

Executive Director and spokesperson Sonny Barrios shares, "Our GILAS PILIPINAS Men's National Basketball Team is raring to go all out for flag and country." He adds, "Each one, to the last man, is fully committed to give his very best, inspired by the support and prayers of his countrymen. Let us continue to wish them well and cheer them on as they play for all of us away from home.  LABAN PILIPINAS!  PUSO!"

Gilas is currently carrying a 2-2 record into the fourth window, going up against a Lebanese side that is fresh from a runner-up finish at the FIBA Asia Cup last month, a road which included a 95-80 victory for Lebanon.

Wael Arakji scored twenty points for the Cedars in that victory, with Hark Gyokchyan and Jonathan Arledge each netting nineteen markers and combined for fourteen rebounds.

The Philippines is hoping the addition of Clarkson and Sotto would provide a much-needed boost, with the former's offensive capabilities and the latter's rim protection.

Team assistant Tim Cone shared about Sotto during one of the practices, "Kai has been very, very impressive. Maybe in the NBA level, it’s a different thing. But at this level, he’s a real deal. Having Kai protecting the rim for us, it’s making a big, big difference."

As for Clarkson, Cone adds, "JC knows the offense already. He runs dribble-drive in Utah, he’s done it before. He’s very comfortable with it so I don’t think that’s going to be an issue for us. He already understands the principles, so he’s stepping in really easy."

The team will be back in Manila on August 27, in time for their second game in the fourth window against Saudi Arabia on August 29 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

SBP honors Gilas Women

c/o Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas

In a recent courtesy call to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and its president Al Panlilio, the federation rewarded the Gilas Women program with cash incentives.

Under the auspices of head coach Patrick Aquino, the senior ladies bucked the absence of Jack Animam due to injury to successfully defend their gold at the Southeast Asian Games with a 4-1 record.

In addition, the program finished 14th in the division of the 2022 edition of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, as well as a third place finish in the 2022 edition of the FIBA U16 Women's Asian Championship Division B.

Panlilio shares, "We at the SBP are very proud of the achievements of our Gilas Pilipinas Women. It’s one of our pillars and we’re very happy with the direction under Program Director Patrick Aquino." He adds, "The SBP is doing its very best to provide Gilas Pilipinas Women to be at their best and we laud the hard work of the coaching staff, who do a tremendous job of scouting for the best talents and helping all our players achieve their full potential."