MANILA, Philippines—Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Noli Eala announced on Wednesday that FIBA Asia has officially awarded the hosting rights of the 22nd FIBA Asia Champions Cup to the Philippines tentatively scheduled middle of May.
Eala said the notice was transmitted by FIBA Asia secretary general Dato Yeoh to the SBP.
FIBA Asia has assigned deputy secretary-general Hagop Khajirian to hold formal talks with SBP officials, led by president Manny V. Pangilinan, on January 19 and inspect the venues, hotels and other facilities, which will be used in the tournament featuring the best club teams in Asia.
Smart Gilas finished outside of the medal rankings the past two years.
The Philippine five, whose core is made up of former collegiate standouts, wound up fifth in the 2009 edition held in Jakarta, Indonesia, with former naturalization candidate CJ Giles as import.
In 2009, the Nationals lost some of their key players to injuries and ended up seventh in the Doha, Qatar, edition.
Mahram of Iran, composed of players from 2007 and 2009 FIBA Asia champion Iran, is seeking a third straight crown.
Smart Gilas team manager Frankie Lim said the homecourt advantage was an opportunity to improve on those finishes in the tournament, which allows two imports of unlimited height.
“The awarding of the right to host the prestigious Champions Cup is a testimony to the ever-improving relations between FIBA Asia and the SBP,” said Pangilinan.
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