MVP reports on SBP accomplishments in national congress

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will hold its national congress on June 24 at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City.

SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan and chairman Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno are expected to lead the delegates who would come from all over the country.

Pangilinan will report on the federation’s accomplishments, including the landmark decision of the Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS) that decided with finality the legitimacy of SBP as the national sports association for basketball in the country.

“That’s one of the highlights of the report of the SBP president aside from the gains and the accomplishments of the federation last year,” said executive director Noli Eala.

The CAS turned down the appeal of Basketball Association of the Philippines that the International Basketball Federation (Fiba) Special Commission drop its recognition of the SBP in their favor.

Pangilinan will also report on the performance of the various national teams in international competitions.

The telecommunication mogul is expected to talk more on Smart Gilas’ preparation for the 2011 Fiba-Asia qualifier for the London Olympics as well as its focus on the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

The SBP is fielding teams in other tournaments—the Eric Altamirano-coached youth team to the Fiba-Asia tournament in Yemen and the women’s team mentored by Heidi Ong to the Southeast Asian Basketball Association Championship the country is hosting this October.

The SBP is also sending a three-on-three team to the Youth Olympic Games in August in Singapore.

The national congress coincides with the opening of the three-nation Manila Invitational tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Smart Gilas will be competing against the national team of Jordan and the Dongguan New Century Leopards of Chinese Basketball Association.