The world’s biggest basketball games are about to unfold in Manila at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, with basketball legend Luis Scola gracing the much-anticipated draw with performances by American rapper Saweetie, Sarah Geronimo, and Billy Crawford on April 29 at the Smart Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.

As a FIBA global partner, Smart is going all-out for the FIBAWC 2023 Draw Event as anticipation reaches a new high with all the 32 qualified nations receiving their country assignments during the spectacle. This year’s much-anticipated FIBA draw will finally announce the matchups and finalize which countries will be playing in the Philippines, giving Pinoy basketball fans time to target which games and basketball greats they wish see live.

Scola has won multiple medals as a member of the national men’s basketball team of Argentina. He played for Argentina’s national squad from 2001 until 2019, winning two silver medals at the FIBA World Championships, one each in 2002 and during his final tournament in 2019 at the age of 39. During the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship tournament, Scola became the all-time leading scorer in FIBA AmeriCup history and won his 4th tournament MVP. 

On the entertainment side of the draw event, Saweetie is a Filipino-American rapper behind the hits “My Type,” “Tap In,” and “Best Friend,” a collaboration with Doja Cat.  Meanwhile Sarah G and Billy Crawford are expected to represent Filipino talent at the international event happening on Saturday, 7:30 at the Big Dome. Tickets to the event are on sale now at www.ticketnet.com.ph.

 
Basketball fans can also join the all-day festival party, “FIBA in Manila,” at BGC Uptown area, corner of 9th Avenue and 36th Street in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) from 10 am onwards, also on April 29.

Ben&Ben’s performance at the “FIBA in Manila” is part of Smart’s Live More Today campaign, which aims to encourage subscribers, and in this case, basketball fans at the venue, to appreciate the best in moments spent with those who truly matter, powered by Smart. Ben&Ben’s performance will be streamed live via Smart’s official Facebook page at 2pm.

Other highlights at the “FIBA in Manila” event include the Official Game Ball launch from Molten, FIBA Trophy Parade presented by J9, a fashion show featuring FIBA World Cup merchandise, and the live viewing of the draw event happening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ranked #40 in the world, the Philippines has gained an outright berth in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Games by being one of the host nations alongside Japan and Indonesia. This is the sixth time that the Philippines is playing on the world stage, and its second time as host nation following its hosting in 1978 where it finished in the top eight.

Never miss a moment with the Smart LiveStream App

Smart subscribers can get hyped with non-stop FIBA basketball action by catching all the exciting happenings and the games, including those played in the previous windows, via the Smart Livestream App. Using the app, fans can catch every minute of live basketball action at the 2023 FIBAWC from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.

The Smart LiveStream app is downloadable on the App Store and the Google Play Store, and subscribers will only need to enter a valid Smart Prepaid or Postpaid mobile number to enjoy the service Upon registration, users will promptly receive an OTP code via SMS, which can be used to start enjoying the features of Smart LiveStream App on their smartphones.

Smart LiveStream App is powered by the Smart, the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network Award, according to the latest report by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence.