CAN the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 squad hurdle the big odds in the FIBA 3×3 Olympic qualifying tournament?
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio is convinced the quartet of CJ Perez, Moala Tautuaa, Joshua Munzon and Alvin Pasaol will be no pushover in the May 26 to 30 tilt in Graz, Austria.
“We believe that the Philippines will have a competitive team in Austria. It’s a big challenge to upset teams ranked in the Top 10 of 3×3 in Slovenia and France, but we have a good combination of skill, speed, size, and strength to give them a run for their money,” Panlilio said in a statement.
“We may be ranked ahead of Qatar and the Dominican Republic, but we can’t count them out either. It’s good to get this chance to prepare so our players can get back into game shape and develop chemistry,” he added.
The team is set to begin training at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna next week after getting the green light from the PBA on the availability of the pros.
Bracketed in Group C of the four-group, 20-country joust, the Filipino cagers will square off with Qatar and Slovenia on May 26, and then Dominican Republic and France two days later in their bid to gain one of the three spots for the sport’s maiden appearance in the Tokyo Games in July.
World No. 20 Gilas needs to wind up in the top 2 of its group to reach the knockout rounds.
Panlilio, also the first vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, thanked the pro league for its support to the 3×3 side.
“The SBP thanks Commissioner Willie Marcial, the PBA Board of Governors, and the mother teams of the five players for their support,” Panlilio said.
