PH among 6 countries bidding to host Olympic hoop qualifiers

Six countries are in the running to host the qualifying tournaments that will determine the last three spots in the Olympic basketball tournament.

Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, the Philippines, Serbia and Turkey have submitted bids to host the tournaments that will be held from July 4-10.

FIBA, basketball's governing body, says Thursday it will choose the three host sites on January 19. There will be three six-team tournaments, with the winners earning places in the field in Rio de Janeiro.

Nine teams have already qualified for the 2016 Games.

After the host sites are picked, the draw will take place a week late