US National Basketball Association star Jordan Clarkson will lead the 12 men who will represent the host Philippines in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which starts Friday.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio confirmed the composition of the Gilas Pilipinas official lineup – a mix of veterans and young players that hope to give the country its best performance in the quadrennial event – on Wednesday.
Nearly 70 years ago, the Philippines captured the bronze medal in the 1954 FIBA event at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil when it was still known as the World Championship.
Pundits say Gilas is unlikely to repeat this feat, but the home crowd is hoping they at least get past the four-team group stages hosted by Manila, Jakarta in Indonesia, and Tokyo in Japan.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways has undertaken various road repairs leading to the airport, hotels, and venues in preparation for the World Cup.
The major repair work is part of the department’s program and contribution to easing traffic congestion in Metro Manila, not only during the FIBA but to reduce traffic in the National Capital Region, DPWH officials said.
Public Works Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan said that as early as July, DPWH District Engineering Offices in Metro Manila were instructed to extend support to the Philippine Sports Commission by ensuring that the designated FIBA routes are in good condition.
Also, under the guidance of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Land Transportation Office Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said he has ordered the deployment of sufficient personnel to assist in road security.
The DPWH is part of the Inter-Agency Task Force responsible for the preparation, organization, and hosting of the World Cup, which will run from August 25 to September 10, 2023.
“We have conducted pothole operations ensuring national roads leading to event venues such as the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City and Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City are well-maintained,” Bonoan said.
Bonoan added that emergency road repairs were also undertaken along portions of the EDSA Bus Carousel that were damaged by recent typhoons and monsoon rains.
Other agencies are also pitching in on the improvement works.