By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Despite the increased cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) remains firm in their decision of hosting the third window of the 2021 Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers.
SBP president Al Panlilio said that FIBA has been trying to put everything in place and make sure that the teams will have no risk of contracting the virus as they play the game that they love.
Months ago, the Philippines was forced to pull out as hosts of FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers groups A, B, and C after travel restrictions were implemented in the country due to the rising cases of the virus.
However, the SBP and FIBA were quick to reach an agreement with the country’s reinstatement as hosts after cases decreased in the month of February.
“Although we’ve indicated to FIBA that times are very uncertain, we are committed. We’re fully committed to host in June,” said president Panlilio.
Composing groups A-C are Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Guam, and Hong Kong.
Gilas Pilipinas will only need one more win against Korea or Indonesia as they currently hold the no. 1 spot in group A with a 3-0 record.
“At the end of the day, our main priority is to keep everybody safe. Fiba has been strict and they require teams to be under quarantine before entering the bubble and they require testing before leaving [their countries] to make sure they’re safe. Medyo marami din yung papasok, so we have to make sure everybody is safe,” Panlilio added.
