Pinoy ref in FIBA elite level

There’s only one Filipino referee classified in FIBA’s elite level and for Glenn Cornelio, his dream is to someday make it to the World Cup. Cornelio, 44, worked the recent EASL championship game in Macau.

-  JOAQUIN HENSON

Cornelio holds a FIBA black license which covers competitions for men and women. There are six Filipino international referees accredited by FIBA but only Cornelio is at the elite level in the 2023-25 cycle. The others are Totie Celeste, Aaron Canete, Harry Santos, Ralph Moreto and Christian Penaojas. The list is expected to expand to nine in the coming FIBA 2025-27 cycle with Cornelio, Joenard Garcia, Canete, Celeste, Moreto, Ralph Jalina, Leun Felix, Janine Nicandro and Zen Manansala.

“Sa ngayon, ang target ko ay makapag-referee