Gilas 3x3's build up to OQT can be boosted with the country's first pro-league

The hopes of Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics might be boosted with the tip-off of the country's first professional league for them.

The recognition of Games and Amusements Board to the Chooks To Go 3x3 as a professional league gave them the necessary tools to craft their own guidelines in which they plan to play their season in a bubble at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna in September, the earliest.

With that in mind, commissioner Eric Altamirano is taking the necessary protocols seriously for the safety of all involved to contain the dreaded coronavirus which halted sports in the country for almost five months.

“Right after ma-lift yang MECQ, we will resume our testing and training,” he said, noting that the sudden shift to the modified lockdown had made them rescheduled their preseason training in which 12 teams are already slated to play in the inaugural season which was supposed to be held this week.

With the centralized venue, it reduces the chances of caught of the dreaded virus, wherein all activities related to basketball were all in one place.

“We can all do this if it is a centralized venue,” Altamirano added, as he sought advice from no less than Dr. Tony Leachon in drafting their protocols to the Inter-Agency Task Force. “Kung iba-iba yung venues na pagpa-praktisan, we have no control over that. At least ito, if something happens, we know already.” 

With the news that the PBA is planning a separate 3x3 tournament next year, Altamirano welcomes the move, saying it gave local cagers more options on making a career from the game.

"Us becoming a pro league will give our local players another platform to be able to have a career sa basketball. Hindi lang ngayon five-on-five kundi meron na ring 3x3," he said. "For me it's a welcome development."

Altamirano clarified that with the pro status of CTG 3x3, there will be a separate licensing criteria apart from the 5v5 as he continues to consult with GAB to iron out any more kinks, including the use of referees.

"Yung pagiging pro ng 3x3 is exclusive for 3x3. Sinasabi palagi ni chair [Abraham Mitra], magkaiba yan. But we will take that up regarding the officiating."

Both him, and Alvin Pasaol had a firm belief that the new league for 3x3 is a huge step in their build-up to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which is now moved from India to Graz Austria next year.

That includes the consideration of having the national team, composed of Pasaol, top-ranked Joshua Munzon and PBA reinforcements such as San Miguel's Mo Tautuaa and Terra Firma's CJ Perez. 

In fact, the country's number 2 cager has his eyes set first on the OQT before deciding on his future.

"For the meantime, focus muna kami kung paano manalo sa OQT," Pasaol said as he was still unsure if he will throw his hat in the PBA draft. "Ang main goal talaga namin, makasali ang Pilipinas sa Olympics."

Screen shot from the Philippine Sportswriters Association