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Philippines to host SEABA meet

A new year, a new basketball hosting venture for the Philippines. (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--It's now official!

The Philippines will be this year's host of the SEABA Men's Championship as confirmed by no less than Gilas coach Chot Reyes on Monday.

"We just received confirmation that SEABA has awarded the men's senior and U16 hosting to Manila, April 23-30," the former multi-titled PBA coach said in a tweet, also baring the date of the event as well as the confirmation of the country's hosting right to the youth basketball tourney.
The said development put into formality a verbal agreement between SBP president emeritus Manny Pangilinan and SEABA president Erick Thohir.

This will be the first time the Philippines will host Southeast Asia's most prestigious basketball tournament since 2001, when a Filipino team made up of MBA stars romped its opponents by huge margins en route to the championship.

The champion of the said tournament will gain direct entry to the FIBA Asia Cup later this year.

The Philippines has been known as a Southeast Asian hoop powerhouse, winning seven SEABA titles since its inception in 1994.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno