Manila ready to host FIBA World Cup games if typhoon strikes Okinawa / News - Basketnews.com

FIBA considers Manila as a backup venue for Okinawa World Cup games.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

There's a slight possibility that some of the scheduled FIBA World Cup 2023 games in Okinawa, Japan, might be moved to Manila, Philippines, due to potential typhoon concerns.

Al Panlilio, the president of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), revealed during a special discussion with the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) that this contingency plan has been established with FIBA.

In the unfortunate event of a weather disturbance like a typhoon during the August 25 to September 10 timeframe, the games from Group E (Germany, Finland, Australia, and Japan) and Group F (Slovenia, Cape Verde, Georgia, and Venezuela) could be relocated to the Philippines.

"So worst case scenario, if they cannot play the games in Okinawa, they will move the two groups to the Philippines," Panlilio said, via GMA Network.

Both Group E and F games are scheduled to be played at the newly-built Okinawa Arena.

The alternative arrangement would involve splitting the two groups between Manila's Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena.

"They would be using the two venues [because] we're playing at 4:00 and 8:00, so what could happen in the worst-case scenario is they will play at 10:00 am and 1 p.m," the official added.

"That's the contingency plan."

However, Panlilio expressed his optimism that such a scenario wouldn't materialize, stating, "We're just hoping for the best."

The concern arises from the fact that Okinawa, situated between the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, is prone to typhoons, particularly during the June to November season.

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