THERE is enough time to prepare and make improvements.
FIBA Central Board and Commission president Hamane Niang of Mali, who heads a three-man FIBA Evaluation Commission, said this after meeting with officials of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and government officials on Saturday night.
The Philippines is bidding to co-host the 20123 FIBA Basketball World Cup with Indonesia and Japan.
“It is still possible to prepare for improvements. And for this, the FIBA has a guarantee from the government,” said Niang after a meeting at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City.
Niang arrived Thursday night to inspect facilities which will be used should the Philippines win its bid to co-host the Basketball World Cup.
Niang and his team received a warm welcome from President Rodrigo Duterte upon their arrival.
It was noted that the facilities in Japan have yet to be constructed, while Indonesia is rehabilitating what they have.
After the two-day ocular inspection, Niang was shown facilities that are already available, such as the Philippine International Convention Center, Smart Araneta Coliseum, Mall of Asia Arena and the Philippine Arena.
Niang said that the full support guaranteed by the Philippine government is noted.
The presentation made by Philippines will be discussed on Dec. 9 during a meeting of the FIBA Central Board,
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Foreign Affairs secretary Allan Peter Cayetano were around to represent the government panel during the talks, along with SBP president Al Panlilio, SBP executive director
Sonny Barrios and SBP deputy executive director for international affairs Butch Antonio.
The tournament will feature the best 32 teams from 32 countries all over the world.
The 2023 World Cup will also serve as a qualifier for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
