The world's basketball heavyweights will converge in the country's capital.
Just how big is the upcoming FIBA World Cup the Philippines is co-hosting with Japan and Indonesia this August?
Well, according to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas chairman emeritus and FIBA Central Board member Manny V. Pangilinan, it is “the new Thrilla in Manila”—one that will unite the world’s basketball-loving nations.
Thrilla in Manila, of course, was the iconic third match between boxing legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, which was held on October 1, 1975 at the the Smart Araneta Coliseum. To this day, Ali vs Frazier III is considered a watershed moment in boxing—and arguably the greatest in history.
That is the magnitude of the FIBA World Cup, said Pangilinan in his recorded keynote speech shown prior to the start of the FIBA World Cup draw on Saturday, held also at the Big Dome.
“Once we complete the draw today, the competitive landscape would have been defined. Eight groups formed, battle lines drawn, and rivalries renewed,” Pangilinan said in his short message. “But against these many make-faces of competition, the world will come together, uniting all basketball countries.”
Pangilinan then explained exactly what the FIBA World Cup means.
“The World Cup fosters unity—win as one. The World Cup celebrates competition. And the World Cup installs the many virtues of sportsmanship,” Pangilinan said further. “To our friends around the world, join our new Thrilla in Manila: The 2023 Basketball World Cup edition. United by our passion for basketball, we will win as one.”
Fittingly, Gilas Pilipinas will play its group stage games at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Catch the games live on One Sports and TV5.