MANILA, Philippines – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) organized a spectacular cocktail supper on Tuesday to warmly welcome the FIBA World Cup delegation, kicking off a series of preparatory events building up to the impending start of basketball’s greatest extravaganza this weekend.

The event includes a range of respected attendees, from members of the FIBA Central Board to delegates representing national federations, and is blessed by the presence of 350 distinguished individuals. This event, which is attended by other notable members of the Local Organizing Committee, prepares the ground for the forthcoming two-day FIBA National Congress, an important gathering for basketball.

The event’s splendor is enhanced by the presence of the leading basketball figures. The event is enhanced by the presence of FIBA President Hamane Niang and Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, both renowned builders of the sport’s advancement. Notably, the legendary former NBA player and towering figure Dirk Nowitzki, who is well-known for his prowess on the court, takes on dual responsibilities as the chairman of the FIBA Players’ Commission and a prominent member of the FIBA Central Board.

This joyous introduction represents the peaceful coexistence of basketball’s international stakeholders and heralds the start of a journey that will end with the spectacular World Cup. This meeting, which is characterized by friendship and excitement, demonstrates how basketball can bring together a wide range of notable individuals who share a passion for the game.

Along with Richard Bachmann and Bambol Tolentino, the revered president of the Philippine Olympic Committee and commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Willie Marcial attended the start of the eagerly awaited FIBA Congress.

The FIBA Hall of Fame event, which will honor Carlos Loyzaga, a great figure in Filipino basketball, posthumously, will be the highlight of the Congress’ first day. A deserving honor for a sports legend whose name will live on in the annals of the sport’s history.

Delegates from FIBA are scheduled to present the plan for basketball’s global trajectory, which will include the sport’s diverse expansion and evolution across several continents, during the proceedings. With strategic considerations and cooperative efforts, these discussions, which make up the Congress’s core, anticipate the sport’s future.

The Congress is an important lead-up to the World Cup and provides a lively forum for debate and interaction among top basketball officials from across the world. The World Cup returns to the country for the first time in an incredible 45 years with the start of this illustrious competition, which is scheduled to start just one day after the Congress.

The Congress serves as a platform for determining the future of this adored sport on a worldwide scale by uniting visionaries and stakeholders from all over the world. With pioneers like Carlos Loyzaga being recognized and cutting-edge tactics being explored, the event stands as a tribute to the basketball community’s unwavering passion and dedication.