FIBA WC: SBP changes federation, Gilas logo, hopes to elevate PH basketball
By Kevin Sox
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) unveiled on Wednesday (Manila time) the new logo of of both the governing body and Gilas Pilipinas, the country’s national basketball team set to compete in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China later this year in a press conference prior to Game 4 of the San Miguel-Magnolia PBA Philippine Cup finals clash.
Present during the press conference held at the PBA press room inside the Smart-Araneta Coliseum were SBP President Al Panlilio, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, and coaches of the different national teams like Ronnie Magsanoc (3×3), Pat Aquino (women’s), and Sandy Arespacochaga (youth).
“After 10 years, we felt it was timely to refresh the SBP logo to give it a new look,” said Panlilio. “The bolder look signifies strength and our disciplined direction.”
THe new logo features a modern Gilas Pilipinas italicized font in blue and red signifying forward direction, with an accompanying ball on the left side wrapped by an eagle with the national flag’s sun and three stars, key elements retained by SBP from the previous iterations of the logo.
Meanwhile, the new SBP logo has noticeably adopted a type face similar to FIBA while retaining their basketball element.
Panlilio added such changes weren’t only at an appearance level, but rather it was more to inspire Philippine basketball to reach greater heights.
“It is more than a face lift. Combined with the restructuring that we are doing, we will continue to find ways to bring the SBP to greater heights,” he said.
Among the many crucial announcements during the press conference were:
(1) As per CNN Philippines Sports Desk’s Pauline Verzosa, all national basketball teams will now carry the Gilas brand (Gilas Pilipinas Men, Women, Youth, 3×3) for future competitions, veering away from the Perlas and Batang Gilas monickers;
(2) Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin will be assigned Gilas Pilipinas Youth program director, and shall work hand in hand with Arespacochaga;
(3) Aquino will have Afril Bernardino, Clare Castro, Janine Pontejos, and Jack Animam representing Gilas Pilipinas Women in the upcoming FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup Women slated from May 24 to 26 in China. Aquino will field a different cast for the 3×3 U18 World Cup in June in Mongolia, including two Fil-ams and two players from Chiang Kai Shek College;
(4) Many-time Gilas coaching staff member Jong Uichico will head the development of the SBP Academy for coaches and tournaments to assure that coaches nationwide are properly trained; and
(5) UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag will be tasked to lead the SBP Academy for Referees and Table Officials to ensure that officials involved in major tournaments in the country will be updated to the FIBA rules and standards.
