Philippines, China final choices to host 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup

The choice to host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup is down to two nations.

The FIBA Executive Committee confirmed that it is considering the Philippines and China to host its top international competition in 2019.

The organization's central board will make its final decision in June.

An evaluation team visited the Philippines last January to assess the country's bid, checking out venues and facilities, and came away impressed.

"Yes, they can," said FIBA Secretary-General Patrick Baumann then. "I think that's an important piece of conclusion from the Commission that the Philippines can host the World Cup."

The FIBA commission inspected the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, which hosted the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, and Araneta Coliseum. They also inspected the sites of the planned SM Cebu Arena and Solaire Gymnasium, two other target venues for the international basketball meet.

The Philippines first hosted the tournament, then known as the FIBA World Championship, in 1978. The country turned heads as a viable host for the World Cup after a successful staging of the FIBA Asia Championship in 2013. —JST, GMA News