SBP donates basketball floor used in FIBA World Cup to PSC

RETURN of investments, indeed.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the country’s leading government sports agency, received a ‘gift’ – a multi-million worth of world-class basketball floor – from the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP).

The floor which is now installed at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium (NAS) inside the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Malate, Manila, was previously installed at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City serving as one of the host venues in ambitious FIBA World Cup last August.

“On my first day here in the PSC, I’ll walk past all the venues here at the Rizal Sports Center. There’s a lot of refurbishing and construction to be done to make these playing venues in good condition. Luckily, we have a partner in SBP which donated the wooden floor and six box stop which was used during the FIBA World Cup,” said Bachmann during the ceremonial turnover on Thursday with SBP president Al Panlilio and FIBA Cup organizing committee Deputy Executive Director Ericka Dy.

During the FIBA Cup preparation, through the Office of President Bong Bong Marcos, the PSC leads an Inter-Agency Coordinating meeting with the main goal is to getting assurance for the successful hosting of the world’s biggest basketball championship.

The PSC shelled out a total of P1.5 billion for the event.

“We have a successful FIBA hosting. With this world-class basketball floor now installed in the government facility, mas makakapag-ensayo ng maayos ang ating mga players,” said Panlilio.

‘No more playing and practicing on cemented floor,” quipped Bachmann.

With this world-standard floor, good lighting, and newly installed aircon system, the 5,000-sitting capacity Stadium can now attract collegiate leagues such as the UAAP and the NCAA.

“You can bring your Blackwater team here,” said Bachmann in jest to coach Ryan Gregorio, who presided over mini-basketball clinics with medalists of the just concluded 3×3 basketball of Batang Pinoy.

Bachmann revealed that another world-class wooden basketball floor which was installed in MOA Arena is also set to transfer to the PSC and will be installed at the Riza Memorial Coliseum.