Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, expressed his unwavering support and optimism for the Philippines’ hosting of the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023 during the event’s Naismith Trophy Tour’s stop at SMX Lanang in Davao City on Friday, August 18.
The Trophy Tour’s recent stop featured Go as well as Gilas Pilipinas ambassadors Jayson Castro and Gary David.
Go emphasized the significance of the FIBA World Cup in promoting sportsmanship, international camaraderie, and showcasing the beauty of the Philippines to the world.
“Ang hosting ng FIBA World 2023 ay sinuportahan po natin during the deliberation sa Senado para sa 2023 budget. Nagdagdag po tayo ng pondo para po sa hosting at sana ay maging successful ito,” he stated.
He further elaborated on the importance of the event for the country, saying, “Ang importante rito ma-promote natin ang ating bansa, turismo at makita ng buong mundo ang kagandahan ng Pilipinas.”
When asked about how the sports event would benefit Gilas, the country’s national basketball team, Go responded with enthusiasm, “Malaking tulong po ito, once in a lifetime lang po ito. Baka hindi na po ito mauulit siguro sa panahon natin.”
“Isipin n’yo, top 12 teams (sa buong mundo), dito maglalaro sa Pilipinas. Ngayon lang natin masasaksihan yan sa buong buhay natin,” added Go.
Amid the excitement, Go urged the nation to come together to support their team.
“I’m so happy and I’m urging everyone na magtulungan para maging successful itong torneyong ito. At suportahan po natin ang ating Gilas Basketball team. Tapang, gilas, puso. Puso lang po, iyan po ang ating palaging ipinagmamalaki, puso,” he said.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has expressed confidence and hope for the upcoming FIBA World Cup. The organization has emphasized that everyone involved is prepared and eager to host the event.
The FIBA World Cup is scheduled to begin on August 25, with sixteen of the top 32 basketball squads heading to the country for the group stages. The host country is aiming to break the existing FIBA attendance record on the opening day at the spacious Philippine Arena, which can hold up to 55,000 spectators.
The current record to surpass is 32,616, established during the 1994 FIBA World Championship finals in Toronto, Canada.
This high-profile event will showcase NBA talents such as Serbia’s Bogdan Bogdanovic, China’s Kyle Anderson, Slovenia’s Luka Doncic, among others. Additionally, the Philippines’ own basketball legend Caloy Loyzaga will be honored with an induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame in a ceremony set for August 23.