SBP Program Heads, Regional Directors discuss Pillars roadmap

It's time to strengthen the pillars that serve as the foundation of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

The program heads and the regional directors of the basketball's national governing body convened at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pasig City to elaborate on the initiatives that will help propel our standing internationally.

After the welcome remarks given by SBP President Al Panlilio, the new organizational structure was presented to the panel. The segment highlighted issues in the previous structure and how the current alignment addresses that. The new chart highlights accountability and clarity of information.

Then, the program directors presented the developments, challenges, and future plans in their respective pillars. Reporting in behalf of Coach Ronnie Magsanoc, Xavy Nunag shared from the country's standing in men's 3x3 from 56 in September 2018 to 28th this month. Likewise, the women's side improved from 47th to 27th during the same time.

The Philippines needs to rank 20th or higher to be eligible for future tournaments without passing through qualifiers. For that to happen, Nunag expressed that organizing more local tournaments will help attain that goal.

Next on the program is Atty. Rebo Saguisag who discussed the SBP Referees Academy. He stressed that SBP is the only way for game officials to get FIBA accreditation. That being said, the academy has conducted 30 camps of such nature and are scheduled to do eight more this year. They also touched based on being inclusive of all existing referee groups in giving the FIBA green light.

By the afternoon, Coach Jong Uichico divulged accomplishments in the SBP Coaches Academy. Aside from the close to 1000 participants that have attented various clinics nationwide, they are offering a Coaching Summit in July 20-21 at the Meralco Fitness Center. Two Australian coaches, Damian James Cotter and Dean Vickerman, will share their views in improving team performance. Participants from neighboring Southeast Asian nations will grace the event as well.

Finally, Marketing Director Atty. Jang Moreno introduced Cignal's James Meneses who shared how they intend to bring the Gilas brand to wider consciousness. They discussed the logo rebranding to create a single identity for all teams as well as the guidelines for using the SBP and Gilas logos.

The Gilas Men's, Gilas Women's, and Gilas Youth programs were not able to present. The latter is on their way to Greece for the FIBA Under-19 World Cup. Open forums emerged within the sessions.