Persistent SBP's patience rewarded with FIBA Asia Championship hosting gig

After FIBA awarded the hosting ceremonies to Lebanon, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) could have just packed their bags and quit. But the group headed by SBP President Manny V. Pangilinan kept trying to convince FIBA to allow the Philippines to host the Asian qualifier for the 2014 FIBA competitions in Spain.

Eventually, their persistence was rewarded, with the international basketball organization noting the unrest in Lebanon, which resulted in the Philippines getting the belated nod.

[Related: Manila to host FIBA Asia Championship]

"Maraming taong dapat pasalamatan," Pangilinan said. "We would like to thank the Secretary General of FIBA for giving us the opportunity to host FIBA Asia."

"Apat na buwan na tayong naghihintay," said SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios. "Among many virtues, patience is one that MVP possesses. Behind the scenes, we were meeting with FIBA. We met with them on Christmas eve and New Year's eve. Ganun kahaba yung ginawa naming proseso."

"Di namin tinantanan ang FIBA," said Pangilinan. "Kinulit namin ng kinulit after they awarded it to Beirut."

There was extreme disappointment after FIBA awarded the hosting duties to Lebanon as Panglinan and company had prepared a pitch and flew to Hong Kong to convince FIBA to hold the competitions in the Philippines. Pangilinan, however, did not want to dwell on the past.

"We're not privy to the decisions of FIBA. Nandito na tayo," said the business mogul. "Let's set aside the differences and in fairness to FIBA, they made sure that they will give the new host team enough time to prepare."

SBP Vice Chairman Ricky Vargas added that the Philippines was not alone in the bid to host the 2013 FIBA Asia tournament. "Even up to the last minute, there were takers to this event. Qatar was offering, China was offering," said Vargas. "We're very happy that we finally got this event. It's been 40 years since we had a big event like this. It's a chance to show Asia how we will plan this, how our Philippine team will play, and how the Filipino people will support them."

Pangilinan also knows that the hard work will now begin for all the stake holders of basketball in the country. "There will be about 800 to 1,000 players and officials coming here for the tournament so it will be a logistical nightmare," he shared. "Hosting this event will not be easy. We will need the help of the national and local governments. But even though the task in daunting, Pangilinan is still positive that the Philippines will do a tremendous job of hosting the competitions that will start commence from August 1 to 11."

The SM Mall of Asia Arena will be the primary venue for the games and either the Cuneta Astrodome or the Ninoy Aquino Stadium will be used as a secondary venue. - AMD, GMA News