The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
The presence of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. and the duel between NBA stars Jordan Clarkson of the Philippines and Karl Anthony-Towns of the Dominican Republic are enough reasons to bring a record number of fans for the opening of the FIBA World Cup 2023 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on August 25.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio is confident the Philippines can surpass the existing FIBA single-day attendance record of 32,616 and establish a new one.
This record was set when the United States, led by NBA luminaries including Shaquille O’Neal, Reggie Miller, Dominique Wilkins, Shawn Kemp, and Alonzo Mourning, convincingly defeated Russia, 137-91, during the 1994 FIBA World Championship held in Toronto, Canada.
Panlilio believes a new record will be made when the world’s biggest basketball competition opens at the 55’000-seat Philippine Arena.
Panlilio placed a target crowd of 50,000 considering the Philippine Arena record is 54,589 during Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals between Barangay Ginebra and Bay Area last Jan. 15.
President Marcos’ presence and the clash between Clarkson and Anthony-Towns could do the trick, according to Panlilio.
President Marcos, known for his strong backing of sports and the Filipino athletes, will make the ceremonial toss before the highly-anticipated 8 p.m.match pitting host Philippines and the Dominican Republic.
“We’re fortunate that President Marcos will actually be there to do the ceremonial toss for the Gilas Pilipinas game,” said Panlilio in the special edition of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Meralco Conference Hall in Ortigas last Tuesday.
Panlilio remarked that the presence of President Marcos during the FIBA opening would hold a unique significance, given that his father, the late President Marcos, Sr., also officially inaugurated the FIBA World Cup at the Araneta Coliseum during the country’s inaugural hosting of the event from October 1-14, 1978.
“I even have a picture of former President Marcos Sr., doing the ceremonial toss at the Araneta Coliseum in 1978. So again it comes full circle that we will now have President BBM to join us. I really like to thank him for accepting the invitation,” added Panlilio.
President Marcos’ participation in the FIBA World Cup marks his third engagement at a major sporting event in less than a month, demonstrating his commitment to sports.
Last August , President Marcos took the initiative to personally host a gathering at the Malacañang Palace, honoring more than 300 athletes who excelled in the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games. This event served as a platform for awarding incentives to the medalists.
The country’s Chief Executive was also present at the inauguration ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa, which took place at the Marikina Sports Center on July 31.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos also participated in the sports scene. She made the ceremonial first serve during the opening day of the Volleyball Nations League Week 3, held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on July 4.