The Philippines gets high grades from delegates and officials of FIBA.
FIBA officials only have good words when asked about the co-hosting job that the Philippines has done so far in the FIBA World Cup.
Led by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the FIBA World Cup Local Organizing Committee (LOC), the Filipinos have so far provided a wonderful experience to the officials and basketball delegates who are in the country.
“The [LOC] has delivered on every front. The experience of the players and the fans, which are the top priorities of the World Cup, have received only high praise,” David Crocker, FIBA World Cup executive Director, said in a statement.
FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis also commended SBP and the government agencies who poured in efforts to ensure the success of the hosting.
“I must congratulate the SBP, I must thank local authorities, and [the] government for the support,” the FIBA official told News5 on Monday.
“The word about the compliment and the hospitality of the Filipinos, the delivery of the basketball tournament of the highest level. All the players are being taken care of. I’m glad that FIBA has contributed as well to what Philippines brand is. And I’m also glad that Philippines has been such a great host to us,” Zagklis added.
The Philippines is co-host of this year’s edition of FIBA’s flagship tournament alongside Japan and Indonesia. Now that the group phase is done, the Filipinos will now take on an even bigger responsibility as it solely hosts the final phase, which will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Quartefinalists Latvia and Canada have already arrived from Jakarta. The same goes for Slovenia and Germany, who flew in after their group play in Okinawa.
“So now, we enter the quarterfinals and the pressure is greater on the teams so we need to keep delivering everything in a manner that allows them to perform at their best. And for the fans, the games have been fantastic and we have some exciting matches ahead of us,” added Crocker.
The do-or-die quarterfinals will start tomorrow, Tuesday. Lithuania is set to face Serbia at 4:45 p.m. The United States and Italy will clash in the second game at 8:40 p.m.
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(With reports from Martie Bautista, News5)