MANILA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) - The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup has generated considerable excitement among the public in the host nations of the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, said FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis.
During the tournament's opening day, FIBA announced a record-breaking attendance of 38,115 spectators at the game between the Dominican Republic and the Philippines, setting a new World Cup attendance record.
"Coming to three different countries after the fantastic experience in eight different cities in China, I believe the most remarkable aspect is the enthusiasm of the public in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia to welcome the world's best players," stated Zagklis.
While Asian fans exhibited fervor for the games, Asian teams still remained far from title contention. For two consecutive FIBA World Cups, no Asian or African team has managed to reach the last 16.
Zagklis noted that in both recent World Cups, there were competitive African and Asian teams that came close to advancing from the group stage. "The World Cup results reflect the level of basketball in these continents, but they are not the sole determinant of that level," he explained.
Zagklis strongly advocates for providing players with a robust, competitive environment within both domestic and international club systems.
"This is a priority set by the FIBA Congress and the FIBA board, including for Asia, in shaping international club competitions," Zagklis emphasized. "Simultaneously, we need to invest more in grassroots development and nurturing young talent."
The 2023 FIBA World Cup witnessed the debut of four teams, each securing at least one victory, with Latvia notably advancing to the quarterfinals.
"Although these countries were making their inaugural appearances, the players had considerable prior experience from their journey to the World Cup," Zagklis noted. "The results highlight that it's not solely about first-time appearances; it's about team preparation and chemistry during crucial games."
In many matches, naturalized players played pivotal roles. Zagklis emphasized the team-centric nature of basketball, where the collective strength of the team makes the difference. "When the game begins, it's five versus five," he affirmed. "What truly matters is the quality of training, teamwork, and the integration of naturalized players or superstars."
Zagklis highlighted the presence of various international basketball leagues in North America and Europe and underscored that the development of international competitions would greatly benefit Asian teams in the future.
"FIBA intends to increasingly engage in international club competitions to shape this environment and provide opportunities for players and their clubs to compete internationally. This not only benefits business but also contributes significantly to the development of our sport and the enhancement of national teams," Zagklis explained.
The next edition of the FIBA World Cup is scheduled to take place in Qatar, marking three consecutive FIBA World Cups hosted in Asia. Zagklis emphasized the vastness of the Asian region and the potential for basketball development in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia, opening new markets for the basketball world.
"In Qatar, all 32 teams will compete in a single city, with all four venues located together. In my personal opinion, it will be a dream come true for basketball fans. You can fly to one place and choose what you want to witness. Regardless of your choice, you'll experience top-level national team basketball," Zagklis concluded.
