The year 2023 made history in Philippine basketball after the country hosted the FIBA World Cup for the first time since 1978.
Months later, the buzz still lingers as the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) unveiled the Top 10 stories from the unforgettable tournament.
The Top 10 stories from the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 📖#FIBAWC https://t.co/hmtZJBXQk3
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) January 5, 2024
Of the Top 10 stories, three of them directly involved either the Philippines or our very own Gilas Pilipinas.
Record-setting crowd
The Philippine Arena witnessed an epic showdown as 38,115 passionate fans filled the seats for the opening game between Gilas Pilipinas and the Dominican Republic on August 25, 2023. This shattered attendance records, proving basketball’s sacred status in the hearts of Pinoys.
Making 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 in Manila 🤩
3️⃣8️⃣,1️⃣1️⃣5️⃣ fans packed Philippine Arena, setting a new FIBA Basketball World Cup record as the 2023 edition started with PUSO and passion!#FIBAWC x #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/PCoE67plIP
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 25, 2023
Social media sensation
FIBA World Cup 2023 dominated the digital space, amassing a staggering 20 billion impressions, 4.6 billion video views, and 4.5 million new followers. The event rightfully earned the title of the “Most Followed FIBA World Cup ever.”
Numbers speak for themselves 🗣️
FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 cements its status as the biggest and most successful event in @FIBA’s history.#FIBAWC
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 26, 2023
Jordan Clarkson was 🔥🔥🔥
Twenty points in four minutes. That was how much Gilas Pilipinas stalwart Jordan Clarkson torched and took the fight out of China during the final game of the Philippines in the tournament. The Utah Jazz star ended up with 34 points as he helped the Philippines defeat its regional rival, China, via a 96-75 final score. His stellar play not only secured a memorable win but also spared the Philippines from a winless World Cup journey.
