Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Philippines or China?
On Friday (August 7), FIBA will finally announce which nation will host the 2019 World Cup following the two countries’ final presentations before the board in Tokyo, Japan.
The Philippines, whose delegation will be headed by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Manny V. Pangilinan, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, and Hollywood star Lou Diamond Phillips, is up against China, a country which considers experience in hosting major international sporting events and top-caliber facilities as its edge in the bid.
But former Gilas Pilipinas captain Jimmy Alapag believes the country can win the bid in the same way the undersized Gilas team toppled the giants in several international tiffs.
“On Friday, we’re up against a giant (China),” said Alapag during a media presscon at the Meralco compound on Monday (August 3).
“But I think we’ve proven that giants can be taken down,” Alapag added.
His former coach in the national team, Chot Reyes, couldn’t agree more.
“It’s time for basketball to come home, our home,” said the tactacian who led Gilas to a runner-up finish in the FIBA Asia Championship in 2013.
Reyes added, “It’s all about puso. Lahat tayo naiintindihan kung gaano kalalim ang pride and passion natin sa basketball.”
And that’s what Alapag, the pint-sized point guard whose stellar shooting stunned the players and spectators alike in the 2014 World Cup in Spain, wants the rest of the world to experience.
“The one common thing is us Filipinos coming out to support the national team (wherever they are),” he said.
