MANILA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019) - The Philippines, one of the most basketball-crazed countries in the world is aching for a return trip to the FIBA Basketball World Cup, and the prospect of having more home games through FIBA's Competition System 2017+ is something that excites Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio.

"The SBP and the Gilas team are looking forward to the new competition system," he said. "The main benefit, I think, is that the best fans in the world (the Pinoy fans who are our sixth man) will be able to witness the Gilas team play more often."

As part of FIBA's Competition System 2017+, 16 national teams from across Asia and Oceania will participate in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Qualifiers. These teams will play home and away games during six windows that will determine the top seven teams joining hosts China as Asia/Oceania's representatives at the first-ever 32-team FIBA Basketball World Cup taking place from August 31-September 15 2019.

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"I think it's a great format and will change the landscape of Asian basketball, especially with the inclusion of Australia and New Zealand," Panlilio added.

The Philippines have been doing quite well these past few years, placing second in the last two FIBA Asia Championships (2013 and 2015). Panlilio hopes the team will continue to produce good results even with the new competition system.

"We are, of course, hoping we continue to progress in international competitions," he said. "The landmark collaboration between the SBP and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is aimed at ensuring that we are able to form the best team we can at all times."

He acknowledges, however, that given how basketball is played literally the entire year in the Philippines, one main challenge for the SBP and the PBA is to synchronize their calendars with the international competitions.

"The main challenge will be scheduling, which is why we institutionalized the collaboration between the SBP and the PBA," he explained. "We may have to do the same with the major collegiate and school leagues as these are the sources of our grassroots talents."

Overall, though, Panlilio is happy mostly for the fans, who will see old and new heroes on the court representing their country on the international stage. In his mind, this should boost the game's reach in the continent.

"Just seeing the national team more often in our home shores will create heroes for the young kids who will be able to watch them," he said. "The new format will also expand the sport in Asia as more games will be played during the year."

FIBA