FIBA Americas celebrates successes, discusses exciting future

SAN JUAN - There was an overwhelming sense of both satisfaction and anticipation after the recent FIBA Americas Annual Executive Committee Meeting, a gathering which presented and discussed the achievements, issues and future of basketball on the continent.

This year, the agenda included in-depth discussions into the current state of the programmes of the respective National Federations, including the "Vision 2020" project, and also and the development of 3x3 basketball.

Horacio Muratore, President of FIBA Americas, was delighted with progress and was quick to highlight synergy with the efforts of FIBA.

He said: "We are very pleased with the work of our National Federations, while aware that they can still do much more.

"Our goal is to always keep up with the work done by FIBA, because their mission is always for the growth of basketball around the world.

"Our commitment is to continue this work in America and this year stands as proof that we are on the right track.

"We continue to work in all aspects and have a team that allows us to handle all these issues at the same time with great ability and attention to detail," he went on.

"2013 is shaping up to be our best year, with a FIBA Americas Championship to qualify teams to the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, an event that will be historic for basketball.

"This meeting confirms that we are on the right path to success and to the development of our sport in every corner of our continent."

While the bidding process for the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship and also the 2013 FIBA Americas League were widely discussed, a special emphasis was placed on the new World and Olympic 2017-2030 format and calendar of competition.

Alberto Garcia, the Secretary General of FIBA Americas, predicted it would be a success.

"It's very important to give the opportunity to all those countries that perhaps are not often represented in continental championships to participate in big games and major events in front of their fans," he pointed out.

“If the focus is on giving importance and exposure to these countries, it will be successful because it will lead to the development of our sport.

“But it will mean a total restructuring of our current competition system so it is important to start working right now."

Meanwhile, former Secretary General and now Secretary Emeritus, Jenaro "Tuto" Marchand, echoed the sentiment of his two colleagues.

"This is an organisation that is better than ever, and for that I extend my most sincere congratulations to Horacio and Alberto because we are in great shape, and improving," he said.

“Now it is exciting to know that we are facing a future that will redefine what it means to showcase international basketball and also the role FIBA plays in its development.”

FIBA