As posted by Manny V. Pangilinan in his twitter account, @iamMVP
You are getting first looks at the FIBA Qualifying Tournament 2016 Manila. Logo just released by FIBA! Go Pilipinas! pic.twitter.com/1ULGlmWxCC
— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) February 27, 2016
FIBA posted that the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila will be the toughest draw with around 20 NBA players expected to play at the Mall of Asia Arena from July 5-10.
Teams that will compete in the FIBA OQT Manila:
Steven Adams, currently playing for the Oklahoma Thunder in the NBA will not play for the Tall Blacks (New Zealand) in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila.
New Zealand also called Tall Blacks lost to Australia twice in the 2015 FIBA Oceania Championship and will face Gilas Pilipinas and France in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament this July 5-10.
Watch New Zealand 2015 FIBA Oceania Highlights Video
18 teams will compete in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for the last 3 spots in the 2016 Rio Olympics. The 3 FIBA OQT will be held in Manila, Italy and Serbia from July 4-10, 2016.
Watch 2016 FIBA OQT Preview Video
France finished with a Bronze Medal in the EuroBasket 2015 and will face Gilas Pilipinas in the opening day of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament this July 2016. Read A look at France in the EuroBasket 2015
Watch France EuroBasket 2015 Highlights Video
France placed 3rd in the EuroBasket 2015 and was not able to get an outright slot for the 2016 Rio Olympics but qualified for the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and will play in Manila from July 5-10.
France lost to Spain in the Semifinals, their only loss in the tournament after winning 7 straight games. Nando de Colo led France with an average of 13.1 ppg while Tony Parker with 12 ppg.
France Player Roster in the EuroBasket 2015
– Westermann, Léo (6’6)
– Batum, Nicolas (6’8)
Tony Parker is set to lead France in the 2016 FIBA Olympic QUalifying Tournament in Manila from July 5-10. According to reports, Tony Parker and his wife had reached an agreement that he will play in the Qualifying Tournament and in the Rio Olympics should they qualify and there is a possibility that he may miss the birth of his son this July.
Gilas Pilipinas will face France in the opening day of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament to be held at the Mall of Asia Arena. View Gilas Pilipinas 2016 FIBA OQT Manila Schedule
Watch Tony Parker Highlights Video
Watch Replay of the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments Draw Video