By Vicson Tan
Esteemed guests and basketball personalities gathered Saturday night, April 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to witness the draw ceremonies for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
*Dirk Nowitzki at the 2023 FIBA World Cup Draw. (Vickson Tan)*
Among those present were FIBA Central Board members that include President Hamane Niang and Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, as well as Chairman Emeritus of the Philippine Basketball Association Manny V. Pangilinan, while Japanese Basketball Association President Yuko Mitsuya, and President of the Indonesian Olympic Committee Erick Thohir sent video messages that were played on the screen. NBA legends Luis Scola, Yao Ming and Dirk Nowitzki also witnessed the ceremony, which saw co-host Philippines being drawn with Italy, Dominican Republic and Angola. Other personalities who participated in the draw were Global and local ambassadors Catriona Gray, LA Tenorio, Takehiko Orimo and Raffi Ahmad. It also featured live performances from American rapper Saweetie, Sarah Geronimo and Billy Crawford. The event also introduced JIP, the 2023 FIBA World Cup mascot. The 2023 FIBA World Cup will be held in the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan on Aug. 25 to Sept. 10. (*With a report from Evonne Tan*)