Congress plenaries are always a challenge. Rife with red tape and formalities, it’s rare for one to be able to exercise their creative muscles — and the 2023 FIBA Congress Plenary was no exception.

But if 15 years of doing events has taught us anything, it’s that set-ups like these reveal the client’s personality the most.

Plenaries showcase their most ideal selves: mottos are repeated, values are upheld, and mission-visions are mumbled ceaselessly like prayer.

In the case of FIBA, what we discovered is this: More than being the international governing body of what is arguably the most popular sport in the world, FIBA is an assiduously progressive organization — dedicated not only to the game, but more importantly, to the welfare of its players, fans, and supporters.

Making a Plenary Proper:

It takes a lot of business to make the sport fun.

The design was relatively spartan, save for a tasteful floral arrangement in front of the podium (a personal request from one of the main speakers).

Long tables were splayed out classroom-style to accommodate the 350 delegates, with each delegate spot having its own set of power outlets.

On the side, seven translators’ booths stood ready for live in-ear translation.

Following a grand roll call by FIBA’s Secretary General, Andreas Zagklis, then-FIBA President Hamane Niang took to the stage for his Welcome Address — his last as President of the organization — as he formally opened the congress.

Far from the electric adrenaline of the court, throughout the congress there was an officious air that was almost solemn, as each speaker proceeded with their reports, which took up the entire morning session.

What was clear was that the organization is firmly proceeding towards creating a safer and more inclusive environment for players everywhere.

Of note was the subject of accessibility, where progress is already underway in promoting lesser-known brackets like Deaf Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball.

Indeed, a specific section was dedicated to both, with delegations represented — and for the Deaf Basketball delegation, their speech was accompanied by a dedicated interpreter.

The afternoon session was comparatively lighter than the morning, as it was reserved for the FIBA Special Awards ceremony.

Hosted by US sports journalist Ari Silvers, the FIBA Special Awards celebrated National Federations that had achieved great milestones over the past two years. The awards spanned a range of categories, from Most Improved Federation to Special Merit Awards, with USA bagging the most wins for the year.

As the last award was handed out and the Congress Plenary drew to a close, a special honor — the FIBA Order of Merit— was awarded to none other than SBP’s Chairman Emeritus, Manny V. Pangilinan.

According to FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, the Order of Merit was given to MVP for his exemplary contribution and unwavering support to basketball as a sport both in the Philippines and in broader Southeast Asia.

Following MVP’s speech, the congress finally wrapped up.

As members of the Central Board greeted and patted each other on the back, and each National Delegation smiled and reached out to each other, likewise, the future of basketball looked bright.

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