For Janine Pontejos, the significance of Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3 historic breakthrough was measured not by the points scored or the result itself, but by how far the program has come from the one she helped build years ago.
Watching from afar, Pontejos found herself celebrating as passionately as any player on the roster when Gilas Women’s 3×3 defeated Italy at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw, Poland earlier this month.
The victory was more than just another win. It was the first World Cup triumph in the history of the Philippine women’s 3×3 program — a milestone that carried special meaning for someone who was there when the journey began.
Pontejos was part of the squad that made the country’s first appearance in the global tournament back in 2018. Seven years later, she witnessed a new generation accomplish something no Philippine women’s 3×3 team had ever achieved.
“Sobrang proud ako kasi first time in the history ng 3×3 sa World Cup na nakapanalo [tayo] ng isang beses. Malaking bagay yun dahil nakikita natin na nag-improve na yung Philippines, lalo na yung women’s 3×3,” Pontejos told One Sports during Jordan Brand’s Dayo23 Streetball Invitational in Tondo, Manila.
The achievement served as proof that the groundwork laid by previous national teams is beginning to bear fruit.
This year’s squad featured a blend of experience and youth, with longtime 3×3 standout Afril Bernardino joining rising stars Kacey Dela Rosa, Camille Clarin, and Mikka Cacho in carrying the Philippine flag on the world stage.
For Pontejos, seeing younger players take center stage is exactly how the program should continue evolving.
The 33-year-old has remained active with the national team in the traditional five-on-five format, but she acknowledged that her chapter in 3×3 basketball is likely coming to a close.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
Janine Pontejos faked her like is April’s 1st
#3x3Asia | @officialSBPinc pic.twitter.com/BpFAx3YPqC
— 3×3 Basketball | FIBA3x3 (@FIBA3x3) April 1, 2023
After helping the Philippines win bronze in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and competing in the 2023 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, Pontejos believes the future now belongs to the next wave of talent.
“Sa 3×3 siguro, siguro wala na kasi siguro tumatanda na rin ako,” she said.
“And ayan, ano na rin yan, sa kanila na rin yun kasi mga bata pa rin naman sila. So ako, siguro, focus muna ako sa 5 on 5. Hopefully, ma-lineup ulit and makapag-continue for the Philippines.”
Rather than view that transition with sadness, Pontejos embraces it as another sign of progress.
The fact that the program can now rely on a growing pool of young players is evidence of a system that continues to develop, improve, and sustain itself.
While she may have stepped away from the half-court game, Pontejos remains a key figure in Gilas Women’s basketball. Earlier this year, she represented the Philippines in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament, averaging 10.8 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists across five games.
And although she was not on the court when history was made in Warsaw, Pontejos perhaps understood the significance of the moment better than most.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.
Leave a Reply