Hard work begins for 2023 FIBA World Cup — Coach Chot Reyes

After winning the bid to co-host the FIBA World Cup in 2023 alongside Japan and Indonesia, Gilas Pilipinas Head Coach Chot Reyes said hard work begins for the Philippines.

In a video posted by FIBA World Cup late Saturday night (PHL time), Reyes noted the effort of the Philippine delegation to FIBA for winning the bid.

???????????? @Coachot's reaction #FIBAWC 2023 #PlayLouderIn2023 pic.twitter.com/a9Ax0MzcL4

— FIBA ???? World Cup (@FIBAWC) December 9, 2017

"Realistically, we know the hard work begins. It was great, there was a lot of preparation and effort towards winning the bid," said the national team head coach.

Reyes also expects the Philippines to "come together" for a successful hosting of the biggest event in global basketball, seven years from now.

"Now, the country has to come together to make sure that we are able to host and conduct a really great tournament," Reyes added.

Meanwhile, Indonesian businessman and sports patron Erick Thohir said Indonesia's hosting of the 2018 Asian Games is a good preparation for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

????????????? @ErickThohir's reaction #FIBAWC 2023 pic.twitter.com/wobbcYLStx

— FIBA ???? World Cup (@FIBAWC) December 9, 2017

On FIBA's website, it says that the Philippines/Japan/Indonesia group said their bid "offers FIBA an exciting opportunity to bring the sport's pinnacle event to the fastest growing region in the world."

The Philippines will host the play-offs, semis, and finals round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, as well as 16 of the 32 games of the group phase. The other half of the 32 games will be played in Japan and Indonesia.  — LA, GMA News