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| It's now or never for Manny Pangilinan in terms of the Philippine-led FIBA World Cup co-hosting bid. Dennis Acosta (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--If SBP executive director Sonny Barrios is to be believed, Manny Pangilinan sees the Philippines' co-hosting bid for the 2023 FIBA World Cup as his last stand.
Barrios revealed that Pangilinan, the SBP's president emeritus, is not looking to join the bid for the 2027 edition regardless of what happens on Saturday night, when the FIBA Central Board officially announces the host for the 2023 games.
"He's praying our country gets it," Barrios said in a statement on Friday, a day before the announcement, implying that Pangilinan sees the bid as make-or-break.
The Philippines is the lead nation of a joint bid for the FIBA World Cup hosting rights for 2023 that includes Japan and Indonesia.
Pangilinan, on the other hand, sees the bid as something the Filipinos can cherish if it beats another co-hosting bid by Argentina and Uruguay.
“It’s the single priceless legacy I could leave Philippine basketball,” Pangilinan said in a separate statement.
The FIBA Central Board is expected to announce the winning bid by 8 p.m. Saturday (Philippine Time).
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
The FIBA Central Board is expected to announce the winning bid by 8 p.m. Saturday (Philippine Time).
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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