SBP confirms 3x3 lineups

MANILA, Philippines —SBP has confirmed the players for men and women in the U23 3x3 basketball competitions at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with high expectations that both squads will make up for the disastrous results from the previous Asiad. In Hangzhou three years ago, the men’s squad of Bismarck Lina, Bryan Sajonia, Janrey Pasaol and Justine Sanchez finished eighth of 19 while the women’s team withdrew after only Camille Nolasco and Louana Ozar were ruled eligible by organizers who struck out late replacements Marga Villanueva and Cielo Pagdulagan because they were not on the list of 13 athletes by name.

The men’s roster lists Biñan Tatak Gel MPBL and former UST star Nic Cabañero, 22, La Salle’s Luis Pablo, 22 and Doy Dungo, 21 and UST’s Koji Buenaflor, 20. The women are Ateneo’s Kacey de la Rosa, 22, UP’s Kennan Ka, 22 and FEU’s Amyah Espanol, 21 and Victoria Pasilang, 21. Pablo and Dungo were Gilas’ 1-2 punch in leading the Philippines to second place in the men’s event at the recent FIBA Asia Nations League in Kuala Lumpur while Ka, Espanol and Pasilang were on the women’s squad that topped the six-stop leg.

In Nagoya, the men make their debut against Mongolia at 12:50 p.m. then face Sri Lanka at 2:55 pm on Sept. 21. Kazakhstan is next at 1:15 p.m. on Sept. 23. The play-in and quarters are set on Sept. 24 and semis and final on Sept. 25. The women open against Mongolia at 12 noon then engage Macau at 2:05 p.m. on Sept. 22. Malaysia follows at 6:05 p.m. on Sept. 23. The play-in, quarters, semis and final are scheduled on the same days as the men.

The Philippines recently jumped from No. 64 in April to No. 27 in the men’s world standings due to the strong performance in the U21 and U23 Nations League. The higher ranked Asian teams are No. 3 Mongolia, No. 6 China, No. 12 Japan, No. 16 Singapore and No. 20 Qatar.

“We’re very grateful to La Salle, UST and Biñan Tatak Gel for their support to our 3x3 program and our national team athletes,” said SBP 3x3 director Ryan Gregorio. “They know how important the Asian Games are in the eyes of every Filipino. They didn’t hesitate to lend their players when we requested. These athletes are not only representing their teams but also the Philippines. They’ve shown tremendous commitment and dedication to represent our country. They come to practice diligently, get reacquainted with the concepts and principles of 3x3 basketball to get themselves ready for competition.”

Gregorio thanked La Salle coach Topex Robinson, UST coach Pido Jarencio and Biñan coach Boyet Fernandez for their support. “We were able to assemble a team that we believe can compete at a high level in Nagoya,” he added. “Currently, we’re fine-turning our plays, fast-tracking our cohesion and continuously adapting to the 3x3 brand of play. With a few more days left before the tournament, our men’s coaches led by Patrick Fran and JJ Espanola are pleased with the progress.”