Gilas 3x3 Team Gets Green Light on its Bubble Training Camp

The preparation of Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Team that will represent the country to the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament is set to be in full swing as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas gets the green light from the Philippine Basketball Association to allow its players for a bubble training.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio announced the development Wednesday afternoon that the quartet of Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Moala Tautuaa, and CJ Perez will commence their training inside the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna next week. Joining them in the bubble training is Leonard Santillan and Karl De Hesa who will serve as the two reserves of the team.

SBP 3x3 Program Director Ronnie Magsanoc will lead the pool of coaches that will draw up the game plan as the team compete against the world’s finest 3x3 players.

“We are happy to tell everyone that our request was received favorably by the PBA for Joshua Munzon of Terrafirma, Alvin Pasaol of Meralco, Leonard Santillan of Rain or Shine, and CJ Perez and Mo Tautuaa of San Miguel Beer to join the training bubble in Calamba, Laguna for the upcoming FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament scheduled for May 26 to 30 in Graz, Austria.” Said Panlilio in a statement.

The amenable SBP President also extends his gratitude to the PBA for its important role as a lead supporter of the federation and its unending assistance amidst the challenging times the world is facing today.

“The SBP would like to thank Commissioner Willie Marcial, the PBA Board of Governors, and the mother teams of the five players for their support.”

The Philippines, ranked No. 20 in the world, will take on No. 26 Qatar and No. 3 Slovenia on May 26 and then the No. 33 Dominican Republic and No. 10 France on May 28. Only the top two teams of each group will advance to the knockout rounds on the final day, May 30, where 3 tickets to the Tokyo Olympics is up for grab.

Despite the uphill battle ahead, Panlilio expresses his confidence to the team and also reminded them not to take lightly their lower-ranked opponents.

“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 3x3 in Slovenia and France but we have a good combination of skill, speed, size, and strength to give them a run for their money. We may be ranked ahead of Qatar and the Dominican Republic but we can’t count them out either.”

The team will try to get in game-shape, build chemistry, and familiarize the system for about three weeks before leaving for Graz, Austria.