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| Butch Antonio said that San Fernando City, Pampanga is so optimistic about the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers hosting. PSA |
MANILA--Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas events director Butch Antonio said that the provincial government of Pampanga led by incumbent governor Delta Pineda has a solid optimism that the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City would be a very successful one.
Antonio even said on Tuesday that there was no need for a "test event" to check out the arena's readiness for the regional youth basketball tournament from May 24-30.
"Pampanga is very confident in doing all these things," the former Gilas Pilipinas team manager said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the PSC Conference Room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Antonio, though, confirmed that Batangas was indeed considered for the hosting rights.
SEABA initially scheduled the qualifying phase for Gilas youth team head coach LA Tenorio's home province, but SBP later revealed that it would be held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center instead.
"It's more of the availability of the venues. Tinitignan mo naman lahat ng possible venues. When we do our plans, it's not just focused on one venue, but we have different venues. We tried to get Batangas, but then, venue availability was something that we had taken into consideration," Antonio further said.
Despite this, he said that the organizing team might also need to take a look at the upcoming PBA Philippine Cup game between Converge and Ginebra at the said arena on Saturday night to get more input on how to improve the hosting of the SEABA event two weeks later.
Gilas will open its campaign in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers against Vietnam on May 24 before battling Thailand and Singapore, respectively, on the following nights.
After a one-day break on May 27, which, according to Antonio, will be highlighted by a cultural dinner, Gilas concludes its elimination round assignment against Indonesia and Malaysia.
All six teams will play in the classification games on May 30, assuring that they will play six games throughout the tournament, where the champion will enter the FIBA U16 Asia Cup.
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