Why Gilas, Japan are Assured of 2023 World Cup Spots and Indonesia Still Needs to Qualify?

The Philippines is set to play as one of the host countries for the 2023 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup alongside Japan and Indonesia. And yet, only two countries are already assured of their respective spots in the quadrennial meet while the other still needs to go through the needle whole for their men's national team to be able to play in front of their home crowd.

As it happens, Gilas Pilipinas and Japan's national team have already clinched their spots in the next edition of the FIBA World Cup three years from now just by participating in the 2019 edition of the said meet where then Yeng Guiao-coached Gilas side, unfortunately, went winless. However, the main discussion revolved around Indonesia not yet assured of their spot even though they, too, are chosen as host.

As explained by the executive committee of FIBA, the Rajhko Toroman-mentored Indonesians, which has never played in the World Cup, will need to earn their spot in the World Cup through the FIBA Asia Cup which is scheduled next year by finishing in the top eight of the Asia Cup. At the very least, Indonesia will need to reach the quarterfinals of the Asia Cup for a chance to make history. Now, Indonesia's performance in next year's FIBA Asia Cup will also play a bearing to the allotted number of teams that are vying for the reserved slots for Asia Pacific teams in the World Cup. If Indonesia manages to make it to the quarterfinals of the Asia Cup next year, it will decrease the number of allotted slots by one. Now, should Indonesia faIl to reach the quarterfinals of the Asia Cup, they can still earn a spot in the 2023 World Cup by undergoing the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

In short, the Indonesians will need to make it to the top eight of the FIBA Asia Cup to get that spot in the 2023 FIBA World Cup without having to go through another needle hole. 

Photo is from spin.ph