Philippines to host 2018 FIBA 3×3 World Cup

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines may not have gotten the rights to host the 2019 FIBA World Cup, but it’ll get to host the 2018 FIBA 3×3 World Cup. 

FIBA announced in a press release that Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will organize the fifth edition of the tour, calling the country “a pioneer in the development of 3×3.” The Philippines hosted two stages of the FIBA 3×3 World Tour in 2014 and 2015, the latter of which Terrence Romeo, Aldrech Ramos, KG Canaleta, and Rey Guevarra of Manila West upset Doha 21-17 to win gold.

“We are very proud and honored to be hosting the FIBA 3×3 World Cup next year,” SPB Executive Director Sonny Barrios said. 

“Our two previous experiences hosting FIBA 3×3 events have been a success and 3×3 has become a centerpiece of our development program.” 

All games at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018 will be played on the same court with 20 men’s and 20 women’s teams competing in a team event and in 3 individual contests (men’s dunk contest including professional dunkers, women’s skills contest, and mixed shoot-out contest).

the question is…
3×3, are you ready for Manila?  https://t.co/bp2u7vv018

— Kobe | KoKo Wave (@_kokoparas) May 10, 2017

“We are delighted to bring the FIBA 3×3 World Cup to the Philippines,” FIBA 3×3 Managing Director Alex Sanchez said.

“We are positive SPB and the passionate Filipino fans will make it an unbelievable experience for the best 3×3 players in the world and everyone watching on all platforms.”

The selection of teams for the tournament is based on the FIBA 3×3 Federation Ranking at the cut-off date of November 1, 2017. 

“The ranking includes sport and development criteria, allowing both the strongest teams on the field as well as the most active countries to participate in the event, which fulfills a key aim of 3×3 – diversity. At least 30 different countries and territories will be represented at the event,” the release added. 

Serbia’s men and Czech Republic’s women are the reigning FIBA 3×3 World champions following their success at the 2016 World Cup in Guangzhou, China. The 2017 3×3 World Cup will take place in Nantes, France from June 17 to 21. Dates and venues for the 2018 3×3 World Cup have yet to be announced. – Rappler.com