Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Filipino basketball fans rejoiced following FIBA’s announcement that the Philippines will host one of the three Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQT) happening this July.
Read: Philippines to host FIBA Olympic Qualifiers
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Sonny Barrios expressed his joy following the announcement late Tuesday night (January 19).
“More than anything we are very happy for the Filipino basketball fans,” said Barrios in a phone call with CNN Philippines. “Mr. MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan), most especially, he really wanted to get this because he knew our basketball fans would love to watch this international basketball tournament.”
As soon as the hosting gig was secured, the SBP has already started making preparations for the upcoming international meet, whose winner will earn a ticket to the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
From an organizational standpoint, Barrios said hosting the six-team event is far easier.
“The work will start beginning tomorrow for the hosting, but that shouldn’t be a problem kasi aanim lang ang team na ‘to,” said Barrios, citing the 15-team FIBA Asia Championships the country hosted in 2013. “We hosted in 2013, labing-anim (sic) na team yun e, mas madali ‘to organizationally.”
In a previous interview with CNN Philippines, Barrios revealed that the Mall of Asia Arena, the site where Gilas qualified for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, will be the playing venue of all the OQT games.
Italy and Serbia were also selected to be host nations for the other Olympic Qualifiers.
Philippines vs. who?
With the hosts announced, there is the small matter of drawing the groups for each of the OQTs.
The drawing of the groups will take place at the House of Basketball in Mies, Switzerland on January 26.
The Philippines will join Angola, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Iran, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Senegal, and Tunisia as part of the draw.
Only the winners of the three tournaments, will be held simultaneously from July 4 through 10, will advance to the Olympics in Rio.
