For the second time in 45 years, the Philippines showed how much basketball meant to the whole country following its co-hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. 

It was a homecoming of sorts for the basketball-loving nation after first hosting the tournament in 1978. 

The quadrennial meet was simultaneously held across three nations including Japan and Indonesia, but the Philippines took on the complete hosting duties after the Group Phase. 

For the Group Phase, the matches between 16 teams took place at the Philippine Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum along with the Mall of Asia Arena, where the much-anticipated Final Phase was held. 

From Gilas Pilipinas to the world, fans showed up, came in droves and flocked the venues regardless of which team was scheduled to play and witnessed firsthand brilliant performances from world class players, making the basketball body take notice. 

“Excellent host. I don't think it's easy to find anywhere else in the world this kind of service to the visitors. Always with a smile. Always with kindness. Always with a solution-oriented approach,” said Andreas Zagklis. 

“I can only express how grateful FIBA is to the Philippines and to the City of Manila. From the top of the government, the head of state received us a few months ago and he came to the opening game, as you know. To the volunteers that take care of you, of us here in the venues, and in our hotels so we're grateful to them,” he furthered. 

The Philippines even succeeded in setting the record for most attended single FIBA game with the 38,115-strong crowd mostly there to support Gilas in its campaign at the basketball showpiece. 

The previous FIBA record is the 32,616 fans that came as the Shaquille O'Neal-led Team USA claimed a 137-91 win over Russia for the World Cup title in 1994. 

Not only the attendance record spoke of the country’s love for the game, but it went way beyond the court as it extended support to the other nations competing and visiting.