by Waylon Galvez
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio has been elected second vice president of the FIBA Asia Central Board during the General Assembly of the association in Bengaluru, India.
The election Panlilio to the FIBA's Central Board in Asia proved the great relationship of the local basketball federation with the federation under Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani of Qatar.
SBP President Al Panlilio. (MB photo | Rio Leonelle Deluvio)
The official of Qatar retained his post as president of FIBA Asia.
“First of all, thank you for the privilege and recognition of being voted as Second Vice President for the FIBA Asia Central Board,” said Panlilio in a statement Tuesday following the event held June 8 and 9.
“I wish to thank FIBA Executive Director for Asia, Hagop Khajirian, for the support,” he added.
Panlilio said that with him joining the Central Board, he looks forward to having a good working relationship with Khajirian – a strong supporter of Philippine hoops – as other Asian officials, particularly Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani.
“I am looking forward to working even more closely with Hagop,” said Panlilio.
“(I) hope I can contribute in the further development of basketball not only in Asia but globally, in alignment with FIBA HQ’s objective of making basketball the number one sport in the world,” Panlilio said.
Former NBA player and Hall of Famer Yao Ming of China has been voted chairman of the FIBA Asia Central Board.