The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas formalized the hiring of Erika Dy as its new executive director.

SBP president Al Panlilio announced the hiring, saying that the 41-year-old Dy will oversee the strategic planning of the SBP and lead the implementation of its programs, which will be in line with the International Basketball Federation's continued push to grow the sport of basketball in the country.

Dy will be replacing Reunald "Sonny" Barrios, who retired following the country's successful hosting of the prestigious 32-nation event last year.

"We're very excited to work with Erika as she brings new energy into the federation," Panlilio said, confirming Daily Tribune's previous report about Dy's appointment.

"We worked closely with her during the FIBA Basketball World Cup and saw up close what she brought to the table. With her experience as a basketball player, a coach, a sports advocate, and one of the primary implementers of the World Cup, we know she is capable of broadening the imprint of the SBP."

Before working with the SBP, Dy also had stints with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines as the licensing committee chair and managing director and with Ateneo de Manila University as the assistant athletic director and head coach of the women's basketball team.

She holds a Master's Degree in Sports Management from Columbia University and is also a California-licensed attorney.

With these proficiencies and her deep experience in basketball, she was named by FIBA as the legal commission chairwoman last October.

"It's an honor to be entrusted by the SBP with this role," said Dy after formally signing her contract, flanked by Panlilio and SBP vice president Ricky Vargas.

"Basketball has been a huge part of my life and I'm thankful to be given the opportunity to give back to the sport and the basketball community. The SBP has done so much since its founding led by chairman emeritus Manny Pangilinan and it is exciting to join the federation at such a pivotal time."