With limited time on its hands due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas will get ready for the joint hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
The SBP will get the venues ready once they are available after the lockdown measures in the country are lifted.
“Rest assured SBP officials will work hand in hand, even with the limitations of the times to guarantee that our co-hosting of the tournament will be something that Filipino basketball fans will remember and will be proud of,” said Panlilio in a statement on Twitter.
Panlilio said this after the international basketball federation (FIBA) central board confirmed the dates for the cagefest last Saturday and made its decision known Monday evening.
The event takes place from August 25 to September 10, 2023.
The venues that are being readied are the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, and the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The MOA Arena is currently being used a COVID-19 testing facility, while the Philippine Arena is temporarily used as a quarantine facility.
Once Metro Manila emerges from community quarantine measures, work on preparing the venues is expected to begin.
“This is certainly positive news as it is something to look forward to amidst the difficult situation that the entire world is facing right now,” added Panlilio.
The cohosting of the group phase will be shared by Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines. The final phase will be held in the Philippines.
This will be the first time in the competition's history that it will be held in more than one country, according to the FIBA in a statement.
The World Cup 2023 will have 32 national teams from around the world as participants.
The expanded format was adopted from the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China