PBBM witnesses record crowd at 2023 FIBA opening

SHOW OF SUPPORT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with Gilas Pilipinas players during their game against the Dominican Republic at the opening of the FIBA Basketball World Cup at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on Friday (Aug. 25, 2023). A staggering 38,115 fans trooped to the Philippine Arena to watch the Philippines-Dominican Republic match, beating the previous record of 32,616 spectators in an indoor arena during the opening of the World Cup 1994 Finals in Toronto, Canada. (PNA photo by Rey Baniquet)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. attended and witnessed on Friday the record crowd at the FIBA Basketball World Cup (FBWC) opening in Bulacan.

According to FIBA, a staggering 38,115 fans trooped to the Philippine Arena to watch the Philippines-Dominican Republic match, beating the previous record of 32,616 spectators in an indoor arena during the opening of the World Cup 1994 Finals in Toronto, Canada.

The event commenced with a series of performances by Filipino musicians, including Ben&Ben, The Dawn and Sarah Geronimo, followed by the opening game between the Philippines and the Dominican Republic.

President Marcos arrived at the Philippine Arena just in time for tip-off.

The Philippines was represented by the Gilas Pilipinas national team, featuring the NBA’s Utah Jazz player of Filipino-American descent, Jordan Clarkson.

The country is the lead host for the FBWC 2023, with Japan and Indonesia as its co-hosts.

The World Cup will be held from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.

The President briefly met with the players of the Philippines and took a photo with them during halftime at the end of the second quarter.

Four groups, or 16 teams, will play their games in the Philippines at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City while Japan and Indonesia will each host two groups.

The top eight teams will converge in the Philippines for the quarterfinal, semifinal, and championship games.

Among the government officials present during the opening of the game were House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos and Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Dominic Guevara.

FIBA president Hamane Niang was also present during the opening.

Gilas falters vs. Dominican Republic

However, despite the record-setting crowd of mostly cheering fans for Gilas, the Philippine team faltered down the stretch and bowed to the Dominican Republic by a slim margin.

The Dominican Republic pulled off the silencer as they kept their poise when the home side, which took the lead at some points of the game, slowly lost steam in the final six-and-a-half minutes to come up on top 87-81.

Gilas’ fate was sealed when Clarkson fouled out with 3:32 remaining.

“I really love the fight of the players. We competed hard. Unfortunately, the disqualification of Jordan was really a big blow to us,” coach Chot Reyes said after Gilas’ loss.

Karl-Anthony Towns made much of the damage to lead the Dominican Republic from the free throw line, especially with Gilas’ bigs exerting a lot of effort in containing him, making 15-of-16 charities and finishing with 26 points and 10 rebounds.

Victor Liz added 18 points, six rebounds, one assist and four steals.

Clarkson also got his rhythm from the free throw line, going 9-for-11 to make up for a sluggish 9-of-24 field goal shooting, including 1-for-6 from the three-point area, to finish with 28 points alongside seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block.

He, however, committed eight turnovers, including the offensive foul that kicked him out of the ballgame.

June Mar Fajardo went a perfect 5-for-5 from the field for 16 points with seven rebounds and one block.

Start of something special

Despite Gilas fans heading home saddened by the team’s loss, basketball officials said they should remain happy for becoming part of FIBA World Cup history.

For FIBA World Cup 2023 chairman Richard Carrion, the historic moment alone makes this year’s edition special.

“We all knew the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 was going to be special and within the first day, we already have evidence of this, having witnessed this historic moment. Everyone inside the Philippine Arena will never forget the amazing levels of love for both basketball and the Philippines national team that was cascading around the venue,” Carrion said.

“This is just the start of what will be the most memorable event in FIBA’s history and we’re all excited for what lies ahead – both on and off the court. Not only in the Philippines but also in Japan and Indonesia.”

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas chairman emeritus Manny Pangilinan said the record-breaking event further showed that Filipinos are the best basketball fans in the world.

“We often say we’re the best fans in the world, but beating the old FIBA attendance record has proven what we have believed all along,” he said. (With a report from Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA)