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SBP optimistic about Philippines' future in esports: 'Malakas ang tiyansa natin dito magmedalya'
Following the success of the E-Gilas team in the FIBA Esports Open, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is feeling optimistic about the future of esports in basketball.
E-Gilas completed a five-game sweep
of Indonesia to reign supreme in the Southeast Asia conference of the tournament, which was held for the very first time last month.In a forum with the Philippine Sportswriters Association on Tuesday, SBP Director for Operations Butch Antonio said they saw the potential of esports to bring glory to the country.
"Mukhang malaki ang gaming community natin at malakas ang tiyansa natin dito magmedalya," he said.
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Antonio also said SBP President Al Panlilio has been invited to be in the advisory group of FIBA secretary-general Andreas Zagklis regarding esports.
"That's a good sign. Hopefully moving forward, we get to develop the sport and grow it with the rest of the other games," said the SBP director.
SBP executive director Sonny Barrios, meanwhile, believes esports can be included in the organization's grassroots program.
"'Yung mga interesado sa basketball na 5'2", 110 lbs, pwede ka maging champion sa esports," he said.
In the FIBA Esports Open, teams from 17 countries competed in a tournament played in the basketball game NBA 2K. —Justin Kenneth Carandang/MGP, GMA News