Lou Diamond Phillips pitch for PHL’s hosting of 2019 FIBA World Cup

I said puso is the major reason this will be the best FIBA World Cup yet. And now we just have 15 minutes to tell you why. We'll tell you about the amazing venues, infrastructure, the technical ability we have in place to deliver a flawless World Cup. But operational necessities don't mean success. Yes they matter. They have to be there. Rock solid. But they are not the things that will create a watershed in the history of our game. Those things alone cannot deliver the quantum leap that our FIBA Basketball World Cup so richly deserves. And that is what we plan to do, what you want to do.

So what is it that would make the Philippines host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup so unique? You're going to meet the greatest basketball fans in the world. You're going to discover why the Philippines provides the perfect environment for this World Cup, something that you can't manufacture. It's authentic. It's very real. And it's like nowhere else. And most of all, we want to demonstrate why a Philippines-hosted World Cup gives you, FIBA, a unique opportunity to turn millions of new fans on to our wonderful game.

So let me take you by the hand and show you where I was born. Welcome to the Philippines. A place that wherever we go, you will see what it truly means when an entire country is in love with our game, and how that love becomes infectious through a nation that has embraced the power of social media like no other. And we tell ourselves, this is what a FIBA Basketball World Cup is for. An opportunity to amplify our game around the world. Here is our chance, your chance to make that happen.

In the Philippines, the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup will be riding on a wave of energy, joy and love, created by the greatest and the most connected basketball fans on earth. Think about what that means. In a world where so much divides us, here's a spirit that unites us. Welcomes us in with smiles, laughter, open arms. Think about what the camera will see wherever it turns. A magical atmosphere in packed arenas, a true celebration of our sport.

And I'm not just talking about the people in my country. I'm talking about the millions of Filipinos all over the world, who will create the biggest basketball conversation in social media anyone has ever seen. One nation. One heart. One incredible party.

But don't think this passion comes without a crystal clear understanding of what's required operationally. Our country has come of age. Our country is emreging as an economic powerhouse of Asia full of innovation, creativity, know-how. Everyone and everything is united by one desire. To deliver the greatest world cup ever staged anywhere. A quantum leap for the sport's showcase event. So it comes straight from my heart when I say to you: This country is born to host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. And we're ready.

Now.