By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
After the cancelation of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in the Philippines due to travel restrictions, a new hosting body has been appointed by the organizing committee.
After several days of decision-making, the FIBA officials hailed the Qatar Basketball Association as the new hosts of the February window, replacing the Philippines.
“We are thankful to FIBA and the Qatar Basketball Federation for all their efforts to make sure that the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers for Group A will push through,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilpinas president Al Panlilio.
FIBA Executive Director for Asia Hagop Khajirian confirmed the final decision where the posted schedule from February 18 to 22 will stay put.
Gilas Pilipinas will try to keep their winning streak alive and will post one of the most highly-anticipated showdowns with the powerhouse Korean squad.
As of now, the SBP and Gilas program director Tab Baldwin are yet to release the final lineup that will head to Qatar and vie for the top spot in their group.
“Our national team pool was saddened when they found out they won’t be playing in Clark, but they did not slow down with their preparations. Now with the pool nearing completion and a definite location for their games, the SBP is confident that they will step it up into another gear,” Panlilio added.
