SBP names lineup for first FIBA esports tournament

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Saturday released the Philippine national team’s roster for the first ever FIBA Esports Open.

Included in the lineup are Rocky Braña, Philippe Alcaraz IV, Clark Banzon, Al Timajo, Aljon Cruzin, Rial Polog Jr., and Custer Galas.

In a statement, FIBA media and marketing services director general Frank Leenders said the competition, which will be played in the NBA 2K, is “as important and consistent with the strategic objective to enlarge the FIBA Family.”

“In these challenging times, we feel encouraged by the enthusiasm of some of our National Federations who are already active in this space and have been our charter partners during the last few months,” he added.

#LabanPilipinas! Introducing TEAM PILIPINAS who will represent the country in the first ever FIBA eSports Open 2020! ????????

Catch them in action from June 19-21 right here on the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas - SBP Facebook page! #SBP #ParaSaBayan #FIBA #FIBAeSportsOpen pic.twitter.com/KDYoS67sL1

— SBP (@officialSBPinc) June 13, 2020

Sixteen other countries are included in the international open which will happen on June 19-21.

The countries competing in the tournament are Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Cyprus, Indonesia, Italy, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, New Zealand, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine.

The games will be streamed on FIBA’s Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube channels. – RC, GMA News