The Ricci Rivero-led Philippine team is set to test its mettle against Slovenia in its opening game in the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup in Xi’an, China.
Getting past Slovenia will give the team the confidence it needs when the Filipinos confront Serbia the following day.
Rivero, with teammates composed of 6’6” center Jeepy Faundo, Far Eastern University juniors’ point guard RJ Abarrientos and San Beda juniors forward Rhayyan Amsali, are in Pool D, with Turkmenistan and China.
The top two teams from each of the three brackets in both women’s and men’s categories will earn a direct ticket to the quarterfinals.
The Knock-Out Rounds, which culminate with the finals, will commence on Oct. 7.
The World Cup is held in parallel with the FIBA World Basketball Summit 2018.
Meanwhile, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio, SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios and Special Assistant to the President Ryan Gregorio represented the Philippines in the summit.
The objective of the two-day summit is to bring together a wide range of high-ranking personalities in world basketball, from top level officials and management personnel in federations, clubs and leagues to business leaders.
As the international governing body for basketball, FIBA’s mission is to develop and promote the game worldwide as well as support their National Member Federations and the many other stakeholders in the sport to maximize their potential.
The theme of the conference, “Building the Future of Basketball Together”, sums up not only its objectives but the spirit in which it is being held.
Panlilio is one of the panel speakers and will discuss effective basketball development strategies covering the role of National Federations, schools and colleges, expectations on government, achieving the best ROI and the development of young pro players.
Panlilio will be on stage with Andrei Kirilenko, President, Russian Federation of Basketball and NBA All-star player and Antti Zitting, President, Finnish Basketball Federation.