SBP offers to host 2011 FIBA Asia

MACAU – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, in a determined effort to make the next Olympics, has offered to host the 2011 FIBA-Asia men’s basketball championship, which serves as the regional qualifier for the 2012 London Games.

The SBP leadership made the initial bid verbally in a meeting with FIBA top officials in Beijing Friday. SBP executive director Noli Eala is leaving for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia any day this week to deliver the formal bid to FIBA-Asia secretary general Dato Yeoh Choo Hock.

SBP vice chairman Ricky Vargas, the Talk n Text governor in the PBA board, made the disclosure during PBA annual meeting and planning session here.

Vargas, Eala and SBP chairman Oscar Moreno have just returned from Beijing where they met with officials of the Philippine Olympic Committee and FIBA for POC’s official confirmation of the SBP, under the leadership of business mogul Manny Pangilinan, as the legitimate national cage body in the country.

FIBA president Bob Elphinston, secretary general Patrick Bauhmann and Dato Yeoh welcomed the Filipino group during the Olympics. POC officials present were president Peping Cojuangco, vice president Monico Puentevella and secretary general Steve Hontiveros.

“They were very accommodating and their words were encouraging,” said Vargas of the FIBA officials whom they met for about an hour and a half.

“You’re the only body (from the Philippines) recognized by the FIBA,” Vargas also said quoting Bauhmann as telling the SBP officials.

Pangilinan was voted as SBP president in their election recently. He’ll serve the body for four years or until the Olympic year.