PORMAL na ipinakilala ng International Basketball Federation (FIBA) ang mga miyembro ng koponan sa sasabak sa kauna-unahang online competition na FIBA Esports Open 2020.
Ang naturang global tournament ay gaganapin sa darating na Hunyo 19 hanggang 21 na mapapanood sa pamamagitan ng live streaming sa Facebook page ng FIBA at Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
Kasabay nito, isiniwalat na din ng Pilipinas ang kanilang magiging pambato sa nasabing makasaysayang event kung saan kabilang ang best professional NBA 2K players na nagdomina sa mga Asian 2K scene sa nakalipas na mga taon.
Ang nasabing roster ay suportado ng SBP na siyang mismong National Sports Association (NSA) ng basketball sa bansa.
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"Our participation in the FIBA Esports Open 2020 is an amazing opportunity to show the whole world that Philippine Basketball is a force in any arena that it is played in, digital or otherwise," pahayag ni Al Panlilio, pangulo ng SBP.
“We are proud to be represented by the best of the best that the country has to offer and have no doubt that Team Pilipinas will show off the intensity, the heart, and the honor that we have when we play this game that we love," aniya.
Ang listahan ng koponan para sa Pilipinas ay bubuuin nila Aljon Cruzin aka Shintarou; 2-Time NBA 2K Asia Champion Rial Polog Jr. aka Rial; NBA 2K17 Asia champion Custer Galas aka Aguila, NBA 2K18 Asia Champion Philippe Alcaraz Herrero IV aka Izzo; Clark Banzon aka Clark; and reserves David John Timajo aka Alt; and Rocky Braña aka Rak na imamaneobra ni Nite Alparas bilang coach.
“I believe Team Pilipinas is a dream team, and I'm just humbled that I'm part of this because I have been playing this game almost half of my life. With exceptional mechanics, good teamwork, and amazing teammates under my leadership, we can make it to the top. I'm just happy and excited to represent our country and make the Filipinos proud," ayon kay Alcaraz na siyang Team Captain.
Maglalaro ng limang games ang Team Pilipinas sa exhibition kontra Indonesia kung lalaruin sa NBA 2K’s Pro-AM game mode. Bawat isang manlalaro ay mayroong single character o position sa court gaya lang ng sa tunay na basketball scenario.
"Our Team Pilipinas is on the cusp of something great here. The great thing about competing in the virtual realm of esports is that there's no size mismatch, no height difference, there's only the dedication and drive to win--something that our sportsmen have always had in spades," ayon naman kay Butch Antonio na siyang Director for Operation ng SBP. ANNIE ABAD
