A group of experienced gamers will lead the Philippine team when they see action in the FIBA Esports Open 2020 this weekend.
It will be a historic first for the Philippines, which has not fielded a national squad in the virtual online basketball tournament.
“I feel honored and confident in leading these talented individuals. We’re not just playing for ourselves, but for the country,” said NBA 2K18 Asia Champion Philippe Alcaraz Herrero IV in an online Facebook Live press conference.
“With exceptional mechanics, good teamwork, and amazing teammates under my leadership, we can make it to the top. I’m just happy and excited to represent our country and make the Filipinos proud,” added Herrero.
Team Pilipinas is also composed of Aljon Cruzin, also known as Shintarou; 2-Time NBA 2K Asia Champion Rial Polog Jr. aka Rial; NBA 2K17 Asia champion Custer Galas aka Aguila; NBA 2K18 Asia Champion Philippe Alcaraz Herrero IV aka Izzo; Clark Banzon aka Clark; and reserves David John Timajo aka Alt; and Rocky Braña aka Rak. Team Pilipinas will be coached by Nite Alparas.
The players will be coached by Nite Alparas in the tournament, slated from June 19 to 21, to be streamed live on the FIBA and SBP Facebook pages.
“Today, we celebrate a new direction, a pivot to the new normal. For the past few months, there has been an absence of many competitive sports leagues and tournaments that were put on hold not only in the Philippines, but worldwide,” said SBP president Alfredo Panlilio.
During the exhibition games, Team Pilipinas will be playing five games head-to-head with Indonesia.
“It’s a historic event for Philippine basketball and Philippine Esports,” said Esports National Association of the Philippines president Jane Basas.
During the game, each player will control a single character/position on the court just like a real- life basketball game.
With a good showing, the Philippines can make its mark as one of the true powerhouses of NBA 2K in the region.
FIBA Executive Director David Crocker graced the online presser and wished Team Pilipinas good luck in their historic activity.
“Our participation in the FIBA Esports Open 2020 is an amazing opportunity to show the whole world that Philippine Basketball is a force in any arena that it is played in, digital or otherwise,” added Panlilio. “We are proud to be represented by the best of the best that the country has to offer and have no doubt that Team Pilipinas will show off the intensity, the heart, and the honor that we have when we play this game that we love.”
Catch Team Pilipinas in action from June 19-21, 2020 on the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas Facebook Page!