AFTER failing to land the hosting of the prestigious Fiba Diamond Ball for Men, BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP) turned its focus to another tournament of lesser luster but one that is drawing the attention to many in the country.

BAP-SBP executive director Patrick Gregorio said yesterday that the federation is keen on bringing in the seventh Southeast Asia Basketball (Seaba) Championship for women in the Philippines.

In a chanced meeting with Fiba-Asia secretary-general Dato Yeoh Choo Hock in the last Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Thailand, Gregorio suggested that the Seaba tournament be an annual affair and that the country is willing to host it.

“We just wanted to have continuity with our programs in the women’s team. Sayang kasi kung every two years lang may tournament na ganito,” said Gregorio, who is eyeing to bring the women’s cagefest in Cebu, Iloilo or Baguio City.

“As what I’ve told Dato Yeoh in Thailand, for us to be in the competitive level with other Asian countries, kailangang tuluy-tuloy ang tournaments para sa mga babae. And this is what we’re proposing to him,” Gregorio added.

Thailand hosted the last Seaba tournament last October where the Philippine team finished second to the hosts.

Since then, the women’s squad of coach Fritz Gaston drew attention from everyone and expectations went high when they competed in the SEA Games—only to clinch a bronze medal.

Nevertheless, Gregorio said the women’s team has a bright future especially with the guarantee that Filipino-Americans Melissa Jacob and Amira Issa will continue playing for the country. Another Filipino-American, Vicky Brick, is undecided if she will stick with the team.

Gregorio was also ecstatic to see how a 16-year old 6’5 find from Cagayan de Oro would fit in the women’s team and a 6’1 cagebelle that will suit up for La Salle in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) next season.

“Imagine a team with 6’5, si Issa around 6’2 and a 6’1 from La Salle? This team has really a bright future ahead,” said Gregorio.

The country made a bid for the FIBA Diamond Ball for Men but the hosting was awarded to China which will also be the host in the coming Olympic Games in Beijing.

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