by Waylon Galvez
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio has elevated Butch Antonio to Director for Operations of the federation.
Antonio relinquishes the post team manager of Gilas Pilipinas to former collegiate player Gabby Cui.
“Thank you. It’s both an honor and a privilege to be able to serve the country. On to the next,” Antonio said on his Facebook post.
Butch Antonio (MB photo | Rio Leonelle Deluvio)
Antonio’s involvement with the men’s national team started when former SBP head and now Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan named him team manager of the original Smart Gilas Pilipinas back in 2009.
Antonio was with the Gilas team under coach Yeng Guiao that clinched a second straight spot to the FIBA World Cup in China.
Antonio’s vast knowledge and experience as a long time Gilas team manager was the reason why the SBP saw it fit to give him such an important role in the federation that would require time, energy and focus.
The appointment of Antonio is still part of the local basketball federation’s re-structuring efforts, and Panlilio expressed optimism on Antonio‘s new position.
He has been a fixture on the bench for many years and was instrumental in the development and helped navigate the Gilas program to where it is right now,” said Panlilio.
“He has two consecutive World Cup stints under his belt and we are very thankful for his contributions,” added Panlilio.
Part of Antonio’s expanded role with the SBP is to certify and accredit local and international basketball associations, manage the Human Resources functions and develop corporate policies and standards, and ensure implementation.
“The demands of the federation has become bigger. With the many programs that we are continuously building – namely, men’s, women’s, 3×3 and youth basketball – combined with the logistical and operational requirements necessary to push the federation to greater heights, we needed a person who will man the slot for us and Butch comes in as the logical choice,” Panlilio said.
“We are future proofing the SBP. We are extremely happy with the development of men’s basketball as evidenced by the back to back stints in the FIBA World Cup, but we want to bring the other programs to the next level and at the same time, strengthen our office.”
“We also need to prepare for the 2023 FIBA World Cup hosting in Manila and we need a dedicated person for that function. Butch will have a lot of things on his plate,” added Panlilio.
Taking over as team manager of Gilas is Gabby Cui, currently Smart’s Assistant Vice President and TNT KaTropa team manager.
Tags: Al Panlilio , Basketbol ng Pilipinas , Butch Antonio , Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan , FIBA World Cup , Gilas Pilipinas , Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas , Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio , Smart Gilas Pilipinas , Yeng Guiao
