Manila: The Gilas Pilipinas U23 team is expanding its pool in preparation for two major 3x3 tournaments this September. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) 3x3 program director Ryan Gregorio emphasized the necessity of enlarging the national team pool to compete effectively in the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup in Wuhan, China from September 15 to 19, followed by the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan from September 21 to 25. He noted that the Asian Games will also feature U23 players.
According to Philippines News Agency, the schedule's complexity is compounded by the upcoming seasons of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which also commence in September. Gregorio remarked, "We're actually preparing for two tournaments. So it's impossible for us to have just one team. So we're expanding our pool and checking on the players available," during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission media room.
Gregorio acknowledged the scheduling conflicts with UAAP and NCAA events, stressing the importance of careful planning to avoid negatively impacting the teams or schools involved. "Those are the matters that require a careful understanding. And, of course, you wouldn't want to negatively affect the teams or schools participating in their respective tournaments. So, the schedule needs to be thoroughly studied, and there needs to be proper consultation with the coaches as well," he added.
The Gilas 3x3 team, which secured the FIBA 3x3 Nations League Asia title and a spot in the World Cup, comprises Earl Medina (Adamson), Koji Buenaflor (University of Santo Tomas), Jhun Dela Rama (San Beda), Cabs Cabonilas, and Jedric Daa (Far Eastern University). Medina, Buenaflor, Dela Rama, and SBP Executive Director Erika Dy joined Gregorio and coach JJ Espanola in the weekly session presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, and the country's 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.
Gregorio mentioned that the SBP aims to have 12 to 15 players in the expanded pool. Additionally, a separate U23 team will compete in the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League in Petaling, Jaya from August 16 to 24. "We'll have six players there also. And the idea is really to expand the pool and get the best possible talent to represent the country. So again, we really have to study it religiously," Gregorio said.
