A SEVEN-MEMBER Philippine team will trade baskets against 16 other squads from other countries in the inaugural International Basketball Federation (Fiba) Esports Open, the world governing body’s answer to keep basketball alive during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) welcomed the members of the team in an online press conference on Wednesday with SBP President Al Panlilio praising the Fiba for the tournament that would momentarily ease the world’s craving for the sport during the lockdown.
“We’re put on hold, everyone in the sporting community. But we cannot stay still,” Panlilio said. “We want to play competitively especially in this basketball-hungry nation. And during this pandemic, connectivity is very critical. The sport and eSports truly blend today.”
The tournament, Fiba’s first foray into eSports, started on Friday and ends on Sunday. It will be live on the Fiba and SBP Facebook pages.
The Philippine team is composed of captain Philippe Alcaraz Herrero IV Rial Polog Jr., Clark Banzon, Al Timajo, Rocky Braña, Aljon Cruzin and Custer Galas and Coach Nite Alparas. They will first face Indonesia in a five-game series.
Also in the tournament are Lebanon and Saudi Arabia for the Middle East; Australia and New Zealand for Oceania; Argentina and Brazil for South America; and Austria, Cyprus, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine for Europe.
“This is surreal because they are not just teammates for me but my brothers as well,” said Polog, the first Filipino to be drafted in the NBA 2k league. “We share the same goal of representing the country. Today it becomes a reality.”
“I believe Team Pilipinas is a dream team and I’m just humbled that I’m part of this because I have been playing this game almost half of my life” Herrero said. “With exceptional mechanics, good teamwork, and amazing teammates under my leadership, we can make it to the top. I’m just happy and excited to represent our country and make the Filipinos proud.”