HOSTING CHORES. Joint Management Committee head John Lucas (left) and deputy event director Erika Dy share updates on the FIBA World Cup during the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum at the PSC Conference Hall inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila on Tuesday (June 13, 2023). The Philippines will co-host the World Cup with Japan and Indonesia from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10. (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)
MANILA – A test event is set before the end of June to gauge the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas' (SBP) hosting of the FIBA World Cup.
Deputy event director Erika Dy said some meticulous details like following the scheduled tip-off time, broadcasting and transportation protocols will be practiced during the test event.
"We have a test event on June 27-28, where we will hold games following the FIBA times," Dy said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum on Tuesday at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Conference Hall inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Games at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City will start at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. respectively, while games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay will have 4:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. tip-offs.
Dy said some teams from the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines have confirmed to participate in the test event and that the games are open to a live audience with a national television broadcast.
In effect, the matches would be part of the squads' preseason buildup for their respective mother leagues.
Dy also said the test run has already been planned beforehand.
"Nakalatag na lahat ng plano (The plan has already been laid down). It's just all-around execution when it comes to August," she said.
Dy said the SBP is now 80 percent prepared for the FIBA World Cup, which will run from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10. (PNA)
