FIBA postpones 2021 Asia Cup to July 2022

The 2021 FIBA Asia Cup, which was originally scheduled to take place in August in Jakarta, Indonesia, has been formally postponed to July 2022.

In a letter addressed to members of national federations, Hagop Khaijirian, FIBA executive director in Asia, said that FIBA Asia Board carefully assessed the planning and organization of the continental showpiece amid the pandemic.

However, factors such as the current travel restrictions, the health and safety of participants, fan access, and the objective of staging a quality tournament forced the governing body to push back the event to next year.

"The FIBA Asia Cup 2021 will be played as planned in Jakarta, Indonesia, but is rescheduled to July 2022, right after the window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asia Qualifiers," the letter read.

Gilas Pilipinas had already left for Jordan earlier today for the King Abdullah Cup, which was supposed to serve as their major preparation for the Asia Cup.

A 15-man lineup led by Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, Ange Kouame, SJ Belangel, RJ Abarrientos, and Isaac Go will banner the Philippines for the pocket tournament that would run from July 25 to August 3.

Completing the cast are Justine Baltazar, Geo Chiu, Jordan Heading, Dave Ildefonso, Will Navarro, Rey Suerte, and brothers Mike and Matt Nieto.

In a statement, SBP president Al Panlilio said the local federation is fully supportive of host Indonesia in these trying times and that they understand its decision to defer the hosting.

“We commiserate with our friends from Indonesia during these very difficult times,” said Panlilio.

“When we welcomed their delegation for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in Clark, they were tremendous guests and they were eager to return the favor. We know that the FIBA Asia Cup will be a great primer to Indonesia’s co-hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 with Japan and the Philippines.”

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News