THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will seek an audience with the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) to request for a bigger venue for the basketball competitions of the biennial meet.
SBP president Al Panlilio said the federation is planning to talk to Phisgoc officials following a move to transfer the basketball competitions of the SEA Games from the Mall of Asia Arena to the much-smaller Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Panlilio said the SBP needs a bigger venue since the PBA has committed to lend its players for the SEA Games missions for the very first time this year.
Panlilio said he also expects fans to come out in full force for the games of the host team.
“The SBP would like to work with Phisgoc to at least have the Gilas games in a bigger venue as we know our countrymen would like to watch our national team especially since the PBA has committed to send PBA players,” said Panlilio in an SMS message.
Phisgoc cited difficulties in booking the Mall of Asia Arena as venue for the basketball competitions of the SEA Games slated November 30 to December 11.
Phisgoc executive director Ramon Suzara said venues will have to be secured not just during the dates of event itself but also days prior to the competition since temporary structures will also have to be installed.
In another strange move, the Phisgoc also moved the volleyball competition of the biennial Games from the Smart Araneta Coliseum to the PhilSports Arena [formerly ULTRA] in Pasig City.
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