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Tag: Gilas Pilipinas 3×3

  • Camille Clarin powers historic Gilas Women win to end FIBA 3×3 World Cup campaign 

    Camille Clarin powers historic Gilas Women win to end FIBA 3×3 World Cup campaign 

    For three games, Gilas Pilipinas Women kept searching for a breakthrough.

     

    On the final day of its campaign in Warsaw, that breakthrough finally arrived.

     

    With its hopes of reaching the knockout stage already gone, the Philippine squad found something else worth celebrating — a landmark victory on one of the biggest stages in international 3×3 basketball.

     

    Powered by a long-awaited shooting explosion from Camille Clarin, Gilas Pilipinas Women closed out its 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup campaign with a historic 17-13 upset of World No. 11 Italy on Wednesday night (Manila time).

     

    The victory not only prevented a winless finish but also delivered the Philippines’ first triumph in the tournament, giving the team a memorable reward for its persistence against some of the world’s best programs.

     

    After struggling to find her rhythm through the opening games, Clarin saved her best performance for last.

     

    The former National University standout transformed the contest with her outside shooting, repeatedly punishing Italy from beyond the arc and providing the offensive spark Gilas had been missing throughout the tournament.

     

    Clarin drilled four two-pointers and finished with eight points, accounting for nearly half of the Philippines’ total output. Her biggest shot came with just 22 seconds left, a dagger from distance that effectively sealed the upset and sent the Filipina bench into celebration.

     

    The victory did not come without tension.

     

    Italy mounted a late charge and trimmed the deficit to 15-13 after Caterina Gilli completed an and-one play with just over a minute remaining. But every time the Italians threatened to take control, Gilas found an answer.

     

    Clarin delivered the decisive blow, while veteran leader Afril Bernardino provided stability inside with four points and six rebounds.

     

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    Mikka Cacho added three points, while Kacey Dela Rosa chipped in two as the Filipinas completed one of the most significant wins in the program’s young history.

     

    The result was especially meaningful considering the disappointment earlier in the day.

     

    Gilas showed flashes of potential against powerhouse China, racing to an early 6-1 lead and briefly putting one of Asia’s traditional contenders on the defensive. The Chinese eventually settled down and pulled away for a 20-12 victory, officially ending the Philippines’ chances of advancing.

     

    Yet instead of letting that defeat define their tournament, the Filipinas responded with their most complete performance.

     

    The final standings show Gilas finishing fourth in Pool C with a 1-3 record, narrowly missing out on the knockout rounds reserved for the top three teams.

     

    But beyond the numbers, the campaign offered something equally valuable: proof that the Philippines can compete and win against established programs on the world stage.

     

    And fittingly, it ended with a piece of history.

     

    In a tournament filled with lessons, challenges, and growing pains, Gilas Women left Warsaw with a breakthrough victory that may prove just as important as any medal — a reminder that the gap between the Philippines and the world’s elite continues to shrink.

     

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  • Gilas Women facing uphill climb after tough opening day at FIBA 3×3 World Cup

    Gilas Women facing uphill climb after tough opening day at FIBA 3×3 World Cup

    The margin for error has quickly disappeared for Gilas Pilipinas Women at the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup.

     

    After earning their place in Warsaw through a breakthrough Asia Cup campaign last year, the Filipinas arrived on the world stage hoping to prove they belonged among the sport’s elite. Instead, they now find themselves staring at a must-win situation after dropping both of their opening assignments on Day 1.

     

    Gilas suffered a 14-11 loss to World No. 15 Latvia before running into a powerhouse German squad that handed them a 22-10 defeat on Monday evening (Manila time) at the Palace of Culture and Science in Poland.

     

    The twin setbacks dropped the Philippines to the bottom of Pool C and significantly raised the stakes heading into the final two group-stage games.

     

    While the results were disappointing, the opening loss against Latvia offered a glimpse of the fight that helped Gilas reach the World Cup in the first place.

     

    The Filipinas stayed within striking distance for most of the contest and trailed by only two points midway through the game. Latvia eventually created breathing room after a crucial two-pointer from Paula Cirsa pushed the lead to 12-6 with just over two minutes remaining.

     

    Rather than fold, Gilas mounted one final push.

     

    Kacey Dela Rosa answered with consecutive baskets before Camille Clarin knocked down a two-pointer with 22 seconds left to trim the deficit to just three.

     

    But Latvia managed to deliver the final blow through Marta Miščenko, who sealed the victory and denied the Filipinas a dramatic comeback.

     

    Dela Rosa paced Gilas with five points and three rebounds, while Mikka Cacho and Clarin chipped in three and two points, respectively.

     

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    If Latvia tested the Philippines’ resilience, Germany exposed the gap between a rising program and one of the world’s established contenders.

     

    The sixth-ranked Germans dictated the tempo from the opening possession and dominated inside, scoring half of their 22 points in the paint.

     

    Ama Degbeon led the charge with 10 points, while Laura Zolper and Britta Daub combined for 11 more as Germany cruised to its second victory of the tournament.

     

    Cacho and Dela Rosa finished with four points each for Gilas.

     

    The losses leave the Philippines in a precarious position in a group where only the top three teams advance to the knockout stage.

     

    Germany currently sits atop Pool C at 2-0, with Latvia also in strong position after its opening victory. Meanwhile, China and Italy remain directly in the Filipinas’ path toward survival.

     

    That makes Wednesday’s schedule more than just another day of competition.

     

    It could define Gilas Women’s entire World Cup campaign.

     

    The Filipinas will return from a rest day to face China at 12:30 p.m. before taking on Italy at 2:45 p.m., knowing that their hopes of extending their stay in Warsaw may depend on finding a way to finally break through.

     

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  • Gilas Women banner Cebu Hustle 3×3 as Cebu finally gets major women’s hoops spotlight 

    Gilas Women banner Cebu Hustle 3×3 as Cebu finally gets major women’s hoops spotlight 

    Gilas Pilipinas Women 3×3 is set to bring the spotlight to Cebu as the national team headlines the inaugural Cebu Hustle 3×3 tournament this June.

     

    With some of the country’s top women’s players converging in the Queen City of the South, the event is shaping up to be more than just another 3×3 competition — it could become a defining moment for women’s basketball in Cebu.

     

    The two-day international invitational tips off June 20-21 at SM Seaside City Cebu, featuring 12 teams from the Philippines and overseas in what organizers are calling one of the strongest women’s 3×3 fields assembled locally.

     

    Bannering the tournament are Gilas Pilipinas Women 3×3 U23 standouts Louna Ozar and Amyah Espanol, who will lead the charge for the host country against six foreign squads eager to spoil the home showcase.

     

    For Cebu basketball fans, the tournament offers a rare chance to watch the national women’s program up close while also seeing local teams test themselves against elite competition.

     

    Joining Gilas Women in the Philippine contingent are Uratex Dream, Pilipinas Aguilas, TOL Patriots, UP Cebu Fighting Maroons, and MOVE Lilo-an.

     

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    The arrival of a national team-led international tournament in Cebu carries deeper meaning for the local basketball community, especially after several previous attempts to establish a women’s league in the region failed to gain traction.

     

    SBP Zone 8 director Popoy Navarro believes Cebu Hustle 3×3 could finally give women’s basketball the platform it has long needed.

     

    “Cebu Hustle 3×3 is such a breakthrough for women’s basketball for Cebu. After recent failed attempts to put up a women’s league, Cebu women’s basketball finally gets an avenue to showcase their talents and see what the best looks like,” said Navarro.

     

    “The talent level of the tournament is a level that I’m very happy to see and I’m excited for our women and our fans to be exposed to what I believe is the best women’s 3×3 tournament in the country.”

     

    Beyond the prestige, there is also plenty at stake competitively, with the champion set to receive USD 3,000, while the runner-up and third placer will earn USD 2,000 and USD 1,000, respectively.

     

    Backed by Uratex, Smart, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the tournament not only gives Gilas Women another major stage — it also signals Cebu’s growing role in the future of Philippine women’s basketball.

     

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  • Nic Cabañero, Jerrick Ahanmisi embrace growing 3×3 scene despite Manila Challenger exit 

    Nic Cabañero, Jerrick Ahanmisi embrace growing 3×3 scene despite Manila Challenger exit 

    For many of the local players who suited up in the FIBA 3×3 Manila Challenger, the weekend was less about wins and losses and more about discovering how demanding — and rewarding — the global 3×3 game can be.

     

    Even as Philippine teams bowed out of contention Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, players like Nic Cabañero and Jerrick Ahanmisi came away believing the fast-rising format can still elevate their games moving forward.

     

    Cabañero entered the tournament fresh off his stint with Gilas Pilipinas Men 3×3 in the recent Asian Beach Games, where the Philippines finished fourth and narrowly missed the podium.

     

    “Super thankful and grateful ako sa experience ko with the Asian Beach Games and of course sa Manila Challenger. Hindi ako makakarating dito kundi dahil kay Ma’am Erica (Dy) and Coach Ryan Guerrero. And of course, si coach Patrick Fran and the rest of the coaches,” said Cabañero.

     

    “Grateful lang talaga ako dahil iba kasi sa feeling pag nag-represent ka sa country. Kaya every time na may mga ganitong call-ups sa akin sa 3×3, take ko talaga yung opportunity doon.”

     

    The former UST standout also believes the 3×3 format is helping sharpen areas of his game that directly translate to traditional basketball.

     

    “And of course, it will help my 5-on-5 game to be developed, especially sa defense and sa offense ko. Mas ma-improve ko siya. And I think feel ko talaga na lalaki pa talaga yung 3×3 dito sa Pilipinas,” he added.

     

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    Cabañero played for SJ Del Monte alongside Aldous Torculas, Gelo Crisostomo, and Lawrence Hawkins. The team absorbed a 21-17 loss to Spain’s Fuengirola before falling to fellow Philippine squad Pasay, 21-18, in the qualifying draw.

     

    Pasay, bannered by Jeff Manday, Zed Etulle, Robbie Herndon, and Jomel Puno, eventually bowed to Fuengirola, 19-13, as the Spanish side advanced to the main draw.

     

    Meanwhile, Mandaluyong — composed of Ahanmisi, Sean Alter, Joseph Eriobu, and Dominick Fajardo — also failed to advance after losses to Germany’s Skyliners and Mongolia’s Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy.

     

    For Ahanmisi, however, the tournament marked another important chapter in his growing 3×3 journey.

     

    The Terrafirma Dyip guard recently debuted for Gilas Pilipinas Men 3×3 during the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, where the national team reached the quarterfinals.

     

    “I think it’s a really cool experience for me because it’s my first time in the 3×3 scene and I like it because the 3×3 scene is very electrifying, it has a lot of energy in it,” said Ahanmisi.

     

    “And especially with all of the teams around the world, you really want to know that everybody wants to win, right? So playing everybody, it really makes you better. And anything that I learned from the 3×3, I can bring it to 5-on-5.”

     

    While no local squad advanced, the tournament once again showed how Philippine players are increasingly embracing 3×3 — not just as a side event, but as another pathway for growth on the international stage.

     

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  • Gilas Women win historic silver, Gilas Men fall short in Asian Beach Games 3×3 

    Gilas Women win historic silver, Gilas Men fall short in Asian Beach Games 3×3 

    History was written in the sands of Sanya—even if it didn’t end in gold.


    Gilas Pilipinas Women 3×3 carved out their best-ever finish in the Asian Beach Games, claiming a silver medal after falling to host China, 21-13, in the finals. 


    While the loss closed their title bid, it also underscored a breakthrough performance that pushed Philippine 3×3 basketball to new heights.

     

    The quartet of Mikka Cacho, Tantoy Ferrer, Gabi Bade, and Kaye Pingol came into the tournament as contenders—but left as standard-bearers. Their silver medal surpassed the program’s previous best bronze finish in 2012, signaling a steady rise on the continental stage.

     

    Their campaign was built on control and consistency. Gilas Women swept through pool play, dispatching Indonesia (15-11), Macau (21-9), and Kyrgyzstan (21-15) with authority. They carried that momentum into the knockout rounds, taking down Kazakhstan (16-11) and Singapore (20-13) to book a finals showdown.

     

    But in the championship, they ran into a tall and disciplined China side led by Fengyi Sun, Hengyu Yang, Junwei Cao, and Lili Wang—proving a tough puzzle they couldn’t quite solve.

    On the men’s side, the road was far less forgiving.

     

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    Gilas Pilipinas Men 3×3 showed flashes of promise but ultimately fell short of the podium, bowing to China, 21-13, in the bronze medal match. 


    The team of Nic Cabanero, Jeff Manday, Gelo Crisostomo, and Sean Torculas had earlier proven they could match up with the hosts, even scoring a 21-18 win over them in pool play.

     

    They also picked up a 21-18 victory against Macau, though a 21-14 loss to Iran exposed early cracks. Still, the Filipinos fought their way to the semifinals with an 18-14 win over India, only to be edged out by Thailand, 20-18, in a tightly contested clash that denied them a shot at gold.

     

    In the end, the results told two different stories—but pointed to the same direction.

     

    For Gilas Women, it’s a leap forward and a new benchmark. For Gilas Men, it’s a reminder of how thin the margins are at this level.

     

    Either way, Philippine 3×3 basketball continues to gain ground—one possession, one game, and now, one historic medal at a time.

     

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  • Gilas Pilipinas Men and Women 3×3 secure semifinal spots in the 6th Asian Beach Games

    Gilas Pilipinas Men and Women 3×3 secure semifinal spots in the 6th Asian Beach Games

    Both Gilas Pilipinas men’s and women’s 3×3 squads carved out hard-earned paths to the semifinals of the 6th Asian Beach Games at the Sanya Sports Centre Stadium, keeping the country’s medal push alive in dramatic fashion.


    For the men, the road to the Final Four was anything but smooth. After clinging to an 11-8 edge against India, Gilas suddenly found itself on the back foot as momentum slipped away late. 

     

    But in a format where games can flip in seconds, Jeff Manday took control when it mattered most. He sparked a decisive 5-0 closing run, tying the game at 14-all with just 22 seconds remaining.

     

    Fouls drawn by Manday and Aldous Torculas proved costly for India, as the Filipinos calmly converted from the free-throw line. Torculas delivered under pressure, sinking crucial shots with 9.8 seconds left to push the lead to 16-14, before Manday iced the game for an 18-14 escape.

     

    “Although underdog kami, lumaban kami hanggang dulo. Thankful ako sa teammates ko, nagtatrabaho para sa bayan,” Manday said.

     

    That resilience now sets up a semifinal clash with Thailand, a familiar regional rival, as Gilas looks to turn survival into a shot at gold.

     

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    If the men relied on late-game poise, the women built their breakthrough on controlled aggression.

     

    Facing a taller Kazakhstan side, the Women’s team leaned into their advantage and speed. Instead of settling for outside shots, they relentlessly attacked the rim, forcing the defense to react and opening scoring opportunities.

     

    When Kazakhstan closed the gap to 12-11 midway through, the response was immediate. Tantoy Ferrer delivered a clutch basket to extend the lead to 14-11 with under two minutes left, before Mikka Cacho finished the job with back-to-back points, sealing a 16-11 victory and a semifinal berth.

     

    “Iyon nga, sa scouting report namin, more on outside shooting sila at mas malalaki sa amin. Alam naman namin na kahit mas maliliit kami, mas mabilis kami,” Ferrer said.

     

    Now, the quartet of Cacho, Ferrer, Gabi Bade, and Kaye Pingol turns its focus to Singapore in the semifinals, carrying with them a formula built on pace and precision.

     

    With both squads advancing, Gilas doubles its chances of adding to the Philippines’ medal haul. The country currently sits third overall with eight medals (3 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze), trailing Thailand in second with 22 total medals, and powerhouse China on top with 43 medals in the 6th Asian Beach Games. 

     

    More importantly, both teams have shown they can adapt, respond, and finish which matters the most with medals now within reach. 

     

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  • “We accomplished our goal”: Gilas Men 3×3 tops pool, reaches quarters 

    “We accomplished our goal”: Gilas Men 3×3 tops pool, reaches quarters 

    A loss to end the group stage rarely feels like a step forward—but for the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Men, it marked the completion of a mission.

     

    Despite absorbing a 14-21 defeat at the hands of Iran in the 6th Asian Beach Games at the Sanya Sports Centre Gymnasium, the Nationals still walked away from Pool A exactly where they wanted to be—on top.

     

    It wasn’t about the final game alone. It was about the body of work.

     

    Locked in a three-way tie with Iran and China at 2-1, Gilas leaned on consistency across all games to secure the No. 1 spot via total accumulated points. In a format where every basket counts, their earlier performances proved just as valuable as any win.

     

    Head coach Patrick Fran emphasized that perspective, choosing to focus on what the team achieved rather than how the group stage ended.

     

    “We accomplished our goal top our pool. Just to be honest, the boys deserved to be here. They worked hard and this is a blessing for us because of the hard work we put in the first day,” Fran said.

     

    “I think this is a big preparation for us going into the quarterfinal tomorrow.” 

     

    The loss to Iran served as a reminder of the physical and tactical challenges waiting ahead.

    Gilas found itself trailing for most of the contest, struggling to match the size and interior presence of their opponents. A late push sparked by Nic Cabañero—who sliced the deficit to five, 14-19, with under two minutes left—briefly gave the Filipinos a window.

     

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    But Iran’s control never wavered, shutting the door on any comeback attempt.

     

    Still, the game offered valuable lessons, especially against a team built on strength and inside scoring—traits that often define success in the half-court-heavy 3×3 format. 

     

    Jeff Manday paced Gilas with eight points, continuing his role as the team’s steady offensive anchor, while Cabañero added six, showcasing his ability to create off the dribble even against taller defenders.

     

    Their production, combined with the team’s collective effort across all three games, ultimately secured their passage to the knockout stage.

     

    With the group stage behind them, the focus now shifts to survival basketball.

    The quarterfinals present a clean slate, where previous records no longer matter and every possession carries heavier weight. For Gilas, the loss to Iran may even serve as an advantage—a timely wake-up call before the stakes rise further.

     

    Their opponent in the Last Eight will be determined Tuesday, but one thing is already clear: this team is no longer just chasing wins.

     

    They are learning how to advance—and that might matter even more.

     

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  • World Cup-bound core powers Gilas Women as fresh faces reshape Men’s 3×3 bid in Asian Beach Games

    World Cup-bound core powers Gilas Women as fresh faces reshape Men’s 3×3 bid in Asian Beach Games

    Momentum is a dangerous weapon—and the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Women are bringing plenty of it to the sands of Sanya.

     

    Fresh off securing a historic berth to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw, the Filipina dribblers are rolling into the 2026 Asian Beach Games not as underdogs, but as a team with something to prove—and momentum to protect.

     

    At the center of that push are Mikka Cacho and Tantoy Ferrer, two pillars of the squad that punched the country’s ticket to the world stage. Their return signals continuity, chemistry, and confidence—three elements that are often decisive in the fast-paced 3×3 format.

     

    Joining them are Kaye Pingol and Gabi Bade, forming a balanced unit that blends experience with fresh energy. While the roster may have slight changes, the identity remains clear: quick decisions, relentless defense, and the ability to thrive in tight, high-pressure finishes.

     

    The group stage, however, offers no easy path. Slotted in Group C alongside Indonesia, Macau, and Kyrgyzstan, the Filipinas will need to hit the ground running, with only the top two teams advancing to the knockout quarterfinals.

     

    Guiding them remains Anton Altamirano, whose steady hand has been instrumental in the team’s rise on the international 3×3 scene.

     

    If the women’s side is built on continuity, the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Men are taking the opposite route—starting fresh.

     

    Bannered by veteran Jeff Manday, the men’s team features a retooled lineup with Nic Cabanero, Aldous Torculas, and Gelo Crisostomo stepping into bigger roles.

     

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    It’s a sharp contrast from the squad that reached the quarterfinals of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup. Key pieces like Jerrick Ahanmisi, Chris Koon, and Ralph Cu have returned to their mother teams in the Philippine Basketball Association, while Sean Alter is back with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

     

    The result is a squad that may lack shared reps but carries upside—particularly if its younger core clicks quickly.

     

    Handling the reins is Patrick Fran, tasked with molding a competitive unit on short notice. The challenge is immediate: Group A features heavyweights China and Iran, alongside Macau, making every possession critical in the race for a top-two finish.

     

    As action unfolds from April 25 to 29 in Sanya, the contrast between the two Gilas squads becomes the storyline itself.

     

    One team leans on continuity and recent success, aiming to extend its rise on the global stage. The other embraces change, hoping fresh legs and new chemistry can spark an upset run.

     

    Different approaches, same objective: carry the Philippine flag deep into the tournament—and maybe, just maybe, bring home another breakthrough.

     

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  • Sedrick Barefield sets sights on joining Gilas Pilipinas 3×3

    Sedrick Barefield sets sights on joining Gilas Pilipinas 3×3

    For Sedrick Barefield, the numbers are starting to pile up—but the wins are not.

     

    The Blackwater Bossing guard delivered another solid individual performance with 27 points, two rebounds, and two assists, but it came in a 125-108 defeat to Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters—a result that further dragged his team to a 1-6 record, second from the bottom of the standings.

    Still chasing his first-ever winning season in the PBA, Barefield finds himself navigating a familiar frustration, strong personal outings overshadowed by team struggles. 

     

    Yet instead of dwelling solely on the standings, the Fil-Am guard is beginning to widen his horizon. A new opportunity may be emerging in the half-court game.

     

    Barefield has openly expressed his willingness to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas 3×3, a program currently undergoing a reset under the Samahan ng Basketbol ng Pilipinas. Despite not yet representing the country in either 5-on-5 or 3×3 formats, the guard made it clear he’s ready when called.

     

    “I’m just waiting on an official invite, but I told them that I would love to represent the country with Gilas,” Barefield said. 

     

    Support from his mother ballclub won’t be an issue. Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy reiterated the franchise’s openness to lending players for national duty.

     

    “If it is for the welfare of the country, we’re always open to it. We’ve done that before with coach Pat (Aquino) with the Gilas women’s team and Ever Bilena as one its major backers,” the 29-year-old Shooting Guard said. 

     

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    The timing could work in Barefield’s favor as the Gilas 3×3 program is actively rebuilding after recent setbacks. As it showed promise with a quarterfinal finish in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup behind Jerrick Ahanmisi, Ralph Cu, Chris Koon, and Sean Alter.

     

    With Ryan Gregorio leading the search for additional talent, the program is looking ahead to the 2026 Asian Games this September in Japan—and further still to the long-term goal of qualifying for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

     

    Gregorio acknowledged that Barefield’s case is intriguing, especially given 3×3 basketball’s more flexible eligibility rules.

     

    “Yeah, I have my (Filipino) passport. No problem (with that),” said Barefield, obviously aware of the 3×3 tournaments’ ‘passport only’ rule when it comes to eligibility.

     

    While the national team door may be opening, Barefield’s immediate focus remains with Blackwater, which is desperate to turn its campaign around. 

     

    The Bossing will look to snap their skid and gain some measure of redemption when they face the San Miguel Beermen on Wednesday, April 22 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

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  • SBP commends UAAP’s influence on Gilas Women’s 3×3 breakthrough

    SBP commends UAAP’s influence on Gilas Women’s 3×3 breakthrough

    Long before the bright lights of international competition, the foundation was already being built in packed collegiate gyms and campus courts. 


    The recent breakthrough of the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3 Team isn’t just a story of a single tournament run—it’s the result of years of development rooted deeply in the UAAP system.

     

    Fresh off a historic podium finish in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026 last April 5, the Philippines carried that momentum into the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifiers, where they punched their ticket to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 which marks the country’s return to the global stage for the first time since 2018.

     

    At the heart of this rise is a group of players whose journeys are tightly intertwined with the UAAP.

    Afril Bernardino, long considered a pillar of the program, once dominated for National University, collecting multiple MVP awards and recently earning a spot on the All-Asia Cup Team. Alongside her is Mikka Cacho, another product of the NU system, whose years with the Lady Bulldogs helped shape her into an international competitor.

     

    Kacey Dela Rosa who is a decorated name in both 5-on-5 and 3×3 formats—continues to evolve as a centerpiece talent from Ateneo. Meanwhile, UST’s Tantoy Ferrer and Adamson Universities’ Cheska Apag represent the pipeline still in motion, transitioning from standout collegiate and junior careers into the demands of international play.

     

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    For Erika Dy of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the connection is clear, a sustained success at the national level begins with consistent development at the collegiate level. 

     

    The UAAP has quietly become one of the federation’s most reliable talent sources, proving that structured competition can translate into global readiness.

     

    That sentiment is echoed by Ryan Gregorio, who highlighted how crucial that partnership has been.

     

    “We are proud to have the UAAP as a strong partner and stakeholder of the federation,” said Gregorio. “They have always been willing to help in national team-building and in developing the next generation of players who can compete at the international level,” Gregorio said.

     

    But the influence of the UAAP doesn’t stop at the collegiate ranks. Its investment in grassroots programs, particularly in women’s basketball—has created a steady pipeline, ensuring that the next wave of talent is already in development.

     

    UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag underscored that broader vision, “the UAAP is committed to invest in and grow women’s sports across all levels. From grassroots to the collegiate stage, we recognize equal importance as we create equal opportunities to sustain this momentum that our student-athletes are now showcasing on the world stage.

     

    What the recent World Cup qualification ultimately reveals is this: Gilas Women’s success is no longer built on isolated bursts of brilliance. It’s becoming a product of continuity—from high school leagues to college rivalries, and now, to international arenas.

     

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