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Tag: Gilas Pilipinas 3×3

  • Afril Bernardino, Kacey dela Rosa headline Gilas’ new pool for 3×3 push

    Afril Bernardino, Kacey dela Rosa headline Gilas’ new pool for 3×3 push

    As Gilas Pilipinas Women gears up for the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw, the focus has shifted from short-term rosters to long-term sustainability. At the center of that vision stand two players from different generations, bound by the same responsibility: carry the standard and raise it even higher.

     

    Afril Bernardino and Kacey Dela Rosa headline a 13-player pool tasked to represent the country on the global stage from June 1-7, a mix that reflects both experience and evolution in Philippine women’s basketball.

     

    For coach Anton Altamirano, the group is more than just a selection—it’s a statement of direction.

    Joining Bernardino and Dela Rosa in the pool are Camille Clarin, Mikka Cacho, Tantoy Ferrer, Kaye Pingol, Cheska Apag, Gabi Bade, Camille Malagar, Amyah Espanol, Jam Meniano, Louna Ozar, and Elizabeth Means.

     

    Recent results have only strengthened belief in the program’s trajectory. The quartet of Bernardino, Dela Rosa, Cacho, and Apag turned heads at the FIBA Women’s 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore, finishing second in a breakthrough run. Shortly after, with Ferrer stepping in for Apag, the team secured a World Cup berth through the qualifiers—another milestone in quick succession.

     

    What makes this stretch more significant is how it has redefined roles. Bernardino, long recognized as a pillar in 5×5, has seamlessly transitioned into the faster, more physical demands of 3×3. Altamirano credited SBP 3×3 director Ryan Gregorio for making that shift possible, calling Bernardino the face of the country’s women’s basketball movement. Her selection to the Asia Cup mythical three only reinforced her impact in the new format.

     

    Alongside her is Dela Rosa, coming off an FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifiers Women’s Team nod, a rising force whose versatility is reshaping expectations for frontcourt players. At just 22, the two-time UAAP MVP has evolved into a complete weapon—equally comfortable initiating plays as she is finishing them.

     

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    Altamirano pointed out how rare it is to find a player of her size with the ability to handle, attack, and defend across multiple positions—qualities that make her an ideal fit for the unpredictability of 3×3.

     

    Together, they form the spine of a team that is no longer content with simply competing. It’s chasing something bigger.

     

    Altamirano believes the current momentum places Gilas in a strong position to contend for a spot in the expanded 12-team field for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

     

    “Five slots, one for Asia, will be allocated based on federation ranking points, one will be for the host and the last six will be picked from four Olympic qualifying tournaments (from March to June, 2028),” said Altamirano. “Our participation in the World Cup will enhance our ranking points.”

    That pursuit, however, leaves little room for downtime.

     

    Even before stepping onto the World Cup stage, Gilas is set for a packed international calendar—competing in the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, multiple stops in the FIBA 3×3 World Series across Chengdu, Manila, and Shanghai, as well as the Asia Pacific U21 and U23 Nations League.

    The grind doesn’t stop there. “We’ll also play in the Asian Games so the calendar will keep us busy the whole year,” said Altamirano.

     

    And that may be exactly what this team needs. Because for Gilas, the journey to Warsaw isn’t the destination—it’s part of a much bigger climb.

     

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  • Gilas Women punch FIBA 3×3 World Cup ticket with gritty win over Singapore

    Gilas Women punch FIBA 3×3 World Cup ticket with gritty win over Singapore

    The journey didn’t end with a silver medal—it demanded one more fight. Just a week after making history in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, the Gilas Pilipinas women’s team found itself back on the same floor in Singapore, this time with everything on the line. No podium finish, no safety net—just one last ticket to the World Cup.

     

    And when the moment called for it, the Filipinas delivered.

     

    Behind a commanding 21-10 victory over host Singapore at the OCBC Arena on Sunday, Gilas secured the third and final berth to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw, Poland from June 1-7—completing a rapid rise from regional contender to global qualifier.

     

    This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement of resilience. The path to that moment had been anything but smooth. Despite topping Pool A with a split of results—including a tough 16-13 loss to Brazil—the Filipinas were forced into a crossover clash against Lithuania, where a 21-16 defeat denied them an outright World Cup slot.

     

    That loss could have derailed their campaign. Instead, it set the stage for redemption.

     

    Facing Singapore in a do-or-die battle for the final ticket, Gilas left no doubt this time. The game never tilted in the hosts’ favor as the Filipinas imposed their pace early and never let go.

     

    At the center of it all was a blend of experience and youth.

     

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    Afril Bernardino once again proved why she remains the heartbeat of the team, delivering crucial plays that steadied the group in high-pressure moments. Alongside her, Kacey Dela Rosa controlled the interior, turning the paint into a consistent source of advantage.

     

    For Bernardino, the moment carried deeper meaning. “I can’t imagine I’m still here playing,” she said. “But I don’t feel old because they gave me a chance to play with these young players.”

     

    That connection between generations defined this run. Mikka Cacho added four points in the win, even after briefly exiting due to a left knee scare before returning to finish the game—a reflection of the team’s refusal to back down. Reynalyn Ferrer rounded out the lineup, each player embracing their role in a performance built on collective effort.

     

    The victory also completed a sweep of Singapore in the tournament, following a tight 21-19 win in pool play a day earlier.

     

    More importantly, it marked the Philippines’ return to the 3×3 World Cup for the first time since hosting the event in 2018—a team where Bernardino was also a key figure.

     

    From that squad, she is now the lone holdover. What has changed is everything around her—the teammates, the journey, the expectations.

     

    What hasn’t is the fight. In the span of a week, Gilas Women transformed a historic silver medal finish into something even bigger: a chance to compete against the world’s best once more.

     

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  • Jerrick Ahanmisi embraces first taste of 3×3, eyes return to Gilas

    Jerrick Ahanmisi embraces first taste of 3×3, eyes return to Gilas

    For Jerrick Ahanmisi, the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup wasn’t just another tournament—it was an introduction to a different version of the game, one that challenged him in ways he hadn’t experienced before.

     

    Stepping into unfamiliar territory, the 28-year-old guard found himself navigating a series of firsts. It was his debut in 3×3 basketball, his first time wearing a Gilas Pilipinas jersey in international play, and his first exposure to the fast-paced, high-intensity environment that defines the format.

     

    And it left an impression. “I think it was really eye-opening for me,” Ahanmisi said. “It was something that I never got a chance to do. It was my first time playing 3×3, first time playing international, first time on Gilas, so it was a lot of firsts for me and I just tried to go into it with an open mind.”

     

    Alongside Ralph Cu, Chris Koon, and Sean Alter, Ahanmisi helped steer the Philippines to a sixth-place finish—an outcome that reflected both progress and untapped potential.

     

    “I think for my first time, it was ok. But I learned a lot from it. And I learned a lot of things that I can also bring to the 5-on-5 gameplay.”

     

    That blend of satisfaction and hunger defined his takeaway. While the experience itself stood out, the competitor in him couldn’t ignore the result.

     

    “The only reason why I say it’s ok is because we didn’t end up getting a medal,” he said. “We got sixth-place in Asia. It’s good that we moved our rank higher. We were No. 9, but now we’re No. 6, so that was a good thing.”

     

    “But obviously, when you play in tournaments or play basketball, you want to get to the top. But maybe just because it’s my first time, maybe its just not the right part for me right now.”

     

    Even off the court, the tournament offered perspective. Ahanmisi witnessed firsthand the Gilas Pilipinas women’s 3×3 team make history with a silver-medal run, a performance that resonated with the entire delegation.

     

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    “I loved it. I’m so proud of them because they played Japan to go to the finals. And then when we were watching them against Australia, everybody was just saying, (it was) because Australia has big girls and WNBA players. So we were just really proud of their performance and we’re glad that they got the silver,” he said.

     

    Back on his own squad, Ahanmisi appreciated the balance within the lineup—a mix of shooting, slashing, and interior presence that gave the team flexibility in a format that demands quick adjustments.

     

    “We have a mixture of a lot of things. We have Ralph that can shoot. We have Chris that can slash and shoot a bit, and then we have Sean who can rebound and be a big man in the post as well,” said Ahanmisi.

     

    And if there was any doubt about whether the experience was a one-time stint, Ahanmisi made his intentions clear.

     

    “I was telling my wife the other day that I really want to go back. Like even the next day when I flew back, I was like, I want to go back there right now. I want to play again. Because it’s that fun,” he said.

     

    “And the crowd, the audience is just always so electric. The event is so eventful. There’s a lot of lights. The hosts are great too. So the people at 3×3, they really make it worthwhile.”

     

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  • Gilas Women open 3×3 World Cup qualifiers campaign 

    Gilas Women open 3×3 World Cup qualifiers campaign 

    There’s barely time to celebrate when bigger stages are waiting. Just days after rewriting history with a silver-medal finish in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, the Gilas Pilipinas women’s team is back on the move—this time with the world in sight.

     

    The same quartet of Kacey Dela Rosa, Afril Bernardino, Mikka Cacho, and Cheska Apag returns to Singapore on Friday, shifting from continental contenders to global hopefuls as they compete in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup qualifier set on April 11-12.

     

    Momentum is on their side, but so is expectation. Currently ranked No. 19 in the FIBA 3×3 standings, the Filipinas enter the qualifier as one of the higher-ranked teams in the six-nation field—a reflection of their steady rise and recent breakthrough on the Asian stage. 

     

    But rankings offer no shortcuts in a format as unforgiving as 3×3, where every possession carries weight and every game can tilt a campaign.

     

    Their turnaround has been swift. From stepping off the plane in Manila on Monday to quickly resetting for another international push, the grind is real. Dela Rosa even squeezed in academic duties at Ateneo before rejoining the team, a reminder of the balancing act these athletes navigate while carrying national aspirations.

     

    Only three tickets to the World Cup in Warsaw, Poland from June 1-7 are up for grabs. The Philippines finds itself in Pool B alongside host Singapore and Brazil. On paper, it’s a group that demands precision from the start. The Filipinas open against world No. 62 Brazil on April 11 at 3:20 p.m., before facing a tougher test against No. 20 Singapore the following day at 5 p.m.

     

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    Across the bracket, New Zealand, Egypt, and Hungary make up Pool A, setting the stage for a crossover phase that leaves little room for error.

     

    Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas women’s 3×3 program director Ryan Gregorio laid out the path: “top two teams in each pool after Round 1 will advance to the crossover Round 2, where the pool top seeds face the second ranked from the opposite group.”

     

    From there, the stakes only rise. Winners in Round 2 punch their tickets straight to the World Cup, while the losing sides battle for the last remaining berth—one final lifeline to extend the journey to Poland.

     

    The Philippines’ presence in the qualifier itself is already a product of progress, having secured its slot through improved world ranking last year. But after their Asia Cup run, simply qualifying is no longer the goal.

     

    Now, it’s about proving that their rise isn’t a one-tournament surge—but a sign of something bigger taking shape.

     

    With powerhouse nations like Australia, the United States, France, and China already waiting in Warsaw, the road ahead is daunting. But for a team that just showed it can stand among Asia’s best, the next challenge is clear:

     

    Carry that fight onto the world stage.

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA, PVL, UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball, Alex Eala’s Linz Open, & Gilas Pilipinas Women’s FIBA 3×3 (April 6 – 12)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA, PVL, UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball, Alex Eala’s Linz Open, & Gilas Pilipinas Women’s FIBA 3×3 (April 6 – 12)

    A packed week of action awaits sports fans as multiple leagues and tournaments take center stage from April 7 to 12. From crucial play-in battles in the Premier Volleyball League and high-stakes matchups in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball, to intense showdowns in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, the schedule is loaded with games that could shape playoff races. Adding to the excitement are international appearances by Gilas Pilipinas Women in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifiers and a busy slate in the National Basketball Association, making it a must-watch stretch for basketball, volleyball, and tennis fans alike.


    PVL All-Filipino Conference (Play-In)

     

    📍 FilOil Centre

    Tuesday, April 7

    • 4:00 PM — Farm Fresh Foxies vs Nxled Chameleons
    • 6:30 PM — Creamline Cool Smashers vs Akari Chargers

    Saturday, April 11, 2026

    • 4:00 PM — TBD vs TBD
    • 6:30 PM — TBD vs TBD

    UAAP Women’s Volleyball

     

    📍 Venues as indicated

    Wednesday, April 8 (MOA Arena)

    • 1:00 PM — Ateneo Blue Eagles vs UP Fighting Maroons
    • 3:00 PM — FEU Lady Tamaraws vs DLSU Lady Spikers

    Saturday, April 11 (FilOil Centre)

    • 11:00 AM — Ateneo Blue Eagles vs DLSU Lady Spikers
    • 5:00 PM — UST Golden Tigresses vs Adamson Lady Falcons

    Sunday, April 12 (UST Quadricentennial Pavilion)

    • 11:00 AM — UE Lady Warriors vs NU Lady Bulldogs
    • 3:00 PM — UP Fighting Maroons vs FEU Lady Tamaraws

    Tennis – Linz Open

     

    Round of 32 — Tuesday, April 7

    • 5:00 PM — Alex Eala vs Julia Grabher

    PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup

     

    📍 Ninoy Aquino Stadium

    Tuesday, April 7

    • 5:15 PM — Magnolia Hotshots vs Terrafirma Dyip
    • 7:30 PM — TNT Tropang Giga vs Meralco Bolts

    Wednesday, April 8

    • 5:15 PM — Blackwater Bossing vs NorthPort Batang Pier
    • 7:30 PM — San Miguel Beermen vs Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

    📍 Mall of Asia Arena

    Friday, April 10

    • 5:15 PM — Converge FiberXers vs Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
    • 7:30 PM — Barangay Ginebra San Miguel vs Magnolia Hotshots

    📍 Ninoy Aquino Stadium

    Saturday, April 11

    • 5:15 PM — TNT Tropang Giga vs Terrafirma Dyip
    • 7:30 PM — Macau Black Bears vs Meralco Bolts

    📍 Smart Araneta Coliseum

    Sunday, April 12

    • 5:15 PM — San Miguel Beermen vs Magnolia Hotshots
    • 7:30 PM — Phoenix Fuel Masters vs Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

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    Gilas Pilipinas Women – FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier

    Saturday, April 11 (Singapore)

    • 3:20 PM — Gilas Pilipinas Women vs Brazil Women’s 3×3
    • 5:00 PM — Gilas Pilipinas Women vs Singapore Women’s 3×3

    NBA Schedule

    Tuesday, April 7

    • New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks — 7:00 AM
    • Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic — 7:00 AM
    • Cleveland Cavaliers vs Memphis Grizzlies — 8:00 AM
    • Philadelphia 76ers vs San Antonio Spurs — 8:00 AM
    • Portland Trail Blazers vs Denver Nuggets — 9:00 AM

    Wednesday, April 8

    • Chicago Bulls vs Washington Wizards — 7:00 AM
    • Minnesota Timberwolves vs Indiana Pacers — 7:00 AM
    • Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets — 7:30 AM
    • Miami Heat vs Toronto Raptors — 7:30 AM
    • Charlotte Hornets vs Boston Celtics — 8:00 AM
    • Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans — 8:00 AM
    • Sacramento Kings vs Golden State Warriors — 10:00 AM
    • Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers — 10:30 AM
    • Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Clippers — 10:30 AM
    • Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns — 11:00 AM

    Thursday, April 9

    • Atlanta Hawks vs Cleveland Cavaliers — 7:00 AM
    • Minnesota Timberwolves vs Orlando Magic — 7:00 AM
    • Milwaukee Bucks vs Detroit Pistons — 7:00 AM
    • Memphis Grizzlies vs Denver Nuggets — 9:00 AM
    • Portland Trail Blazers vs San Antonio Spurs — 9:30 AM
    • Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers — 10:00 AM
    • Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns — 10:00 AM

    Friday, April 10

    • Miami Heat vs Toronto Raptors — 7:00 AM
    • Chicago Bulls vs Washington Wizards — 7:00 AM
    • Indiana Pacers vs Brooklyn Nets — 7:30 AM
    • Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks — 7:30 AM
    • Philadelphia 76ers vs Houston Rockets — 8:00 AM
    • Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors — 10:00 AM

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  • Afril Bernardino earns FIBA 3×3 All-Asia Cup Team honors while guiding Gilas Women to a historic silver finish

    Afril Bernardino earns FIBA 3×3 All-Asia Cup Team honors while guiding Gilas Women to a historic silver finish

    As Gilas Pilipinas celebrated a historic podium finish with a silver medal at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026, all‑star honors went to Afril Bernardino, who has continued to cement her legacy as one of the Philippines’ most decorated basketball talents. 

     

    A three‑time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, two‑time WMPBL MVP, and three‑time UAAP Most Valuable Player, Bernardino tallied 23 points across the tournament, averaging 4.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, with a player valuation of 36.7—fourth highest in the continental competition. 

     

    She earned a spot on the All‑Asia Cup Team alongside China’s Zhang Zhiting and tournament MVP Kristy Wallace of Australia.

     

    Wallace finished with 18 points and 20 rebounds, and Zhang led the tournament in scoring with 38 points and the highest player valuation of 39.4. 

     

    Showing their sportsmanship, Bernardino exchanged jerseys with Wallace, capturing a special moment of camaraderie between top competitors. 

     

    Gilas Women’s silver marked the program’s first‑ever medal at the Asia Cup and the best finish for both men’s and women’s teams in the Philippines’ FIBA 3×3 history.

     

    Beyond her performance in Singapore, Bernardino’s journey reflects a broader impact on Philippine basketball.

     

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    After a storied collegiate career with the National University Lady Bulldogs—where she led the squad to three straight UAAP championships and collected multiple MVP awards. She took her game as a professional, including earning back‑to‑back MVP honors in the WMPBL and helping her team capture the inaugural pro season title.

     

    This blend of domestic dominance and global exposure continues to strengthen her role as a leader and role model for rising Filipino basketball players.

     

    With the silver medal secured, Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 now turns its focus to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Singapore from April 11 to 12. The Philippines enters as the top seed in Pool B, ranked 19th in the world, followed by Singapore at 20th and Brazil at 62nd. 

     

    Bernardino will remain a key part of Coach Anton Altamirano’s roster alongside teammates Kacey dela Rosa and Mikka Cacho, while Tantoy Ferrer replaces Cheska Apag, adding fresh energy to the squad. 

     

    The Gilas Women will return home briefly before heading back to Singapore for crucial qualifier matchups against Brazil and Singapore, aiming to secure a berth on the world stage.

     

    Bernardino’s continued evolution—from collegiate star to international standout—serves as an inspiration for the next wave of Filipinas aiming to make their mark in both 3×3 and traditional basketball arenas. 

     

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  • Gilas Women 3×3 turn focus to World Cup Qualifiers after Asia Cup silver 

    Gilas Women 3×3 turn focus to World Cup Qualifiers after Asia Cup silver 

    Fresh off a historic silver-medal finish in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, Gilas Pilipinas Women now turn their attention to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifiers in Singapore.

     

    The silver medal may have been historic, but for Gilas Pilipinas Women, it was never meant to be the finish line.

     

    Just days after delivering the best-ever result by a Philippine team in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, the Filipinas are already back in pursuit of something even bigger — a return trip to the world stage.

    From April 11 to 12 in Singapore, Gilas Women will take another shot at history in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, where a place in the sport’s biggest global showcase will be up for grabs.

     

    What made their Asia Cup run memorable was not just the silver medal itself, but the way it reset expectations for a program that has steadily climbed in the international 3×3 scene. Instead of simply proving they belong, the Filipinas are now entering the next tournament with genuine pressure and a real opportunity to advance.

     

    This time, they won’t be sneaking up on anyone. The Philippines enters the qualifiers as the highest-ranked team in Pool B at No. 19 in the world, just ahead of host Singapore, which sits at No. 20. Brazil, the third team in the group, is ranked No. 62.

     

    That makes the path to the knockout round clear, but far from comfortable. Only the top two teams from each pool will move on to the crossover phase, where the stakes rise immediately. 

    From there, only the teams that reach the podium will book tickets to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, set for June 1 to 7 in Warsaw, Poland.

     

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    For Gilas Women, the mission is as much about validation as it is qualification.

     

    Their lone previous appearance in the World Cup came back in 2018, when the Philippines hosted the event at the Philippine Arena. That campaign ended with a 17th-place finish, but this version of the national team arrives in a much different place — more seasoned, more battle-tested, and carrying momentum that few Philippine women’s squads have ever had in this format.

     

    The challenge, however, will not end with the group stage. Pool A is expected to be far more punishing, with Hungary ranked No. 13 in the world and Lithuania at No. 22, while Egypt rounds out the bracket. 

     

    Any team that survives the knockout round will likely have to go through one of those two European squads, making every early game in Singapore crucial.

     

    Still, Gilas Women will head back with a core that already knows how to compete under pressure.

    Coach Anton Altamirano is sticking with key holdovers Kacey dela Rosa, Afril Bernardino, and Mikka Cacho — the same battle-tested pieces that helped fuel the team’s breakthrough run in the Asia Cup.

     

    The lone change in the lineup comes in the form of added size and versatility. Replacing 5-foot-5 Cheska Apag is 5-foot-9 Tantoy Ferrer, currently ranked as the sixth-best women’s 3×3 player in the Philippines. The move gives the squad another long, mobile option as it prepares for the physically demanding back-to-back battles that define the 3×3 format.

     

    There will be little time to recover or reset. After wrapping up their Asia Cup campaign, the team is set to return home on Monday before flying back to Singapore on April 9 for one more push.

     

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  • Gilas 3×3 flips the script, outlasts Thailand to return to FIBA Asia Cup main draw

    Gilas 3×3 flips the script, outlasts Thailand to return to FIBA Asia Cup main draw

    A year after falling short in the qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 made sure this time would end differently.

     

    The Philippines completed a clean sweep of the qualifying round in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup on Thursday night, holding off a late Thailand rally for a tense 17-15 victory at the OCBC Arena in Singapore and securing a return to the tournament’s pool play stage.

     

    For a team still trying to establish itself in the regional 3×3 scene, the win was more than just a place in the next round. It was a response.

     

    It was proof that this version of Gilas can close.

     

    After cruising for much of the contest, the Filipinos suddenly found themselves under pressure in the final minute as Thailand, the reigning Southeast Asian Games 3×3 champion, turned what looked like a comfortable Philippine lead into a frantic finish.

     

    Jerrick Ahanmisi appeared to deliver the dagger when he knocked down an open two-pointer that pushed Gilas ahead, 17-13, with just under a minute remaining.

     

    But Thailand kept coming. A powerful two-handed dunk by Chanatip Jakrawan cut the lead to two, 17-15, with 11 seconds left, putting the Filipinos in danger of seeing their hard work unravel in the closing stretch.

     

    Then came one final scare. After Gilas committed a shot-clock violation, Thailand was handed one last opportunity to force overtime or steal the game outright. But Frederick Lish’s attempt failed to connect, allowing the Philippines to escape and celebrate a hard-earned win.

     

    That final defensive stand sealed a perfect 2-0 run in Group A for Gilas, which earlier opened its campaign with a 21-16 victory over Maldives.

     

    And if there was one player who helped create the cushion the Filipinos desperately needed, it was Ralph Cu.

     

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    Cu finished with six points, highlighted by a booming corner two-pointer that beat the shot clock and stretched the Philippines’ lead to 14-5 at the midway mark — a momentum-swinging shot that briefly looked like it would put the game out of reach.

     

    Instead, Thailand slowly chipped away.

     

    The Thais entered the matchup with momentum of their own, fresh off a 21-11 win over Maldives and carrying added credibility after stunning Lithuania, 21-15, two weeks ago in the FIBA Red Bull Champions Cup.

     

    So even with Gilas in control for long stretches, the comeback threat always lingered.

     

    Jakrawan led Thailand with a game-high seven points and nearly sparked a dramatic turnaround, but the Filipinos had just enough left to finish the job.

     

    More importantly, they did what last year’s team could not.In the previous edition of the tournament, Gilas Men bowed out in the qualifying phase and failed to reach the main draw. This time, they punched through.

     

    That breakthrough gives the Philippines a much-needed boost as it heads into pool play, where the level of competition only gets tougher.

     

    Meanwhile, the focus now also shifts to the women’s side, with Gilas Women set to open their campaign on Saturday against Tonga at 5:15 p.m. before facing defending champion Australia at 8:05 p.m.

     

    For now, though, the spotlight belongs to the men’s squad — a group that survived pressure, handled the moment, and finally pushed Gilas back where it wanted to be.

     

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  • Sean Alter, Jerrick Ahanmisi steer Gilas 3×3 past Maldives in Asia Cup qualifier opener

    Sean Alter, Jerrick Ahanmisi steer Gilas 3×3 past Maldives in Asia Cup qualifier opener

    Sean Alter and Jerrick Ahanmisi delivered when it mattered most as Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 opened its FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup qualifying campaign with a 21-16 victory over Maldives on Wednesday.

     

    In a format where momentum can swing in a matter of possessions, the Filipinos had to fend off a stubborn Maldivian side before pulling away late to secure a crucial opening-day win.

     

    With only the top team from Group A advancing to the next stage, the result gave Gilas the start it badly needed in a qualifying pool that also includes 15th-ranked Thailand.

     

    The Philippines, seeded ninth in the qualifying tournament, opened the game with Alter, Ahanmisi, and Ralph Cu on the floor, while Chris Koon came in as the team’s lone substitute.

     

    Alter quickly made his presence felt, as the University of the Philippines big man started hot, scoring Gilas’ first two points to hand the Philippines an early 2-1 lead. He later added another layup to tie the game at 3-all before Koon, coming off the bench, scored inside to put Gilas ahead, 4-3.

     

    Maldives, however, kept answering.

     

    Ahanmisi knocked down a two-pointer to restore a 6-4 edge after another deadlock, but the Filipinos struggled to create separation as Maldives continued to stay within striking distance.

    Cu then chipped in with a layup for a 7-6 lead, while Alter stayed aggressive at the rim to make it 8-6.

     

    Still, the Maldivians refused to fade, stringing together three straight points to grab a 9-8 advantage before a two-point basket pushed them further ahead, 11-9.

     

    That was when Gilas responded, Alter converted a tough basket plus the foul to level the game at 11-all, igniting the rally the Filipinos needed. Koon then came through with a key score to give the Philippines a 13-11 cushion.

     

    From there, Gilas began to settle in, Alter attacked again for a 14-11 lead, Koon added a free throw for 15-11, and Alter continued his relentless pressure inside with another layup to make it 16-12.

     

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    Maldives still had one last push left and trimmed the deficit to 17-15 on a two-pointer, but Gilas showed its composure in the closing stretch.

     

    The Terrafirma guard scored on a layup to make it 18-15 before Alter once again finished at the rim to move the Filipinos to match point, 20-16.

     

    Ahanmisi then closed the door with a jumper to seal the 21-16 triumph.

     

    Alter emerged as the tone-setter for Gilas with his energy and constant rim pressure, while Ahanmisi delivered key buckets and poise in the finishing kick. Koon also provided an important spark off the bench, while Cu contributed timely minutes in the team’s opening push.

     

    The win served as the first real competitive test for the newly assembled Philippine squad, which has been training together for nearly two months under coaches Kirk Collier, Patrick Fran, and JJ Espanola.

     

    Built to be versatile and competitive in the half-court game, the team combines pro-level experience from Ahanmisi, Cu, and Koon with the youthful activity of Alter.

     

    Gilas also entered the tournament with an average height of 6-foot-4.75, giving the squad a solid physical profile for the demanding pace and physicality of 3×3 basketball.

     

    More importantly, the Filipinos got the result they needed, but the bigger test is still ahead as Gilas returns to action later in the day against Thailand at 8:25 p.m., in what could decide who advances out of Group A.

     

    The FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup runs from April 1 to 5, with the qualifiers determining the final teams that will complete the tournament proper.

     

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  • Gilas 3×3 opens Asia Cup road with familiar hurdle in Thailand 

    Gilas 3×3 opens Asia Cup road with familiar hurdle in Thailand 

    Gilas Pilipinas men’s 3×3 opens its campaign in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup qualifiers on Thursday in Singapore, with two important games standing between the team and a place in the main draw.

     

    The Philippine quartet of Ralph Cu, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Chris Koon, and Sean Alter will first face Maldives before taking on Thailand later in the day at the OCBC Arena.

     

    The Filipinos are seeded ninth in the qualifying tournament and are grouped with 22nd-ranked Maldives and 15th-ranked Thailand in Group A. With only the top team in the group advancing, every game will carry major weight for Gilas.

     

    If the Philippines tops the group, it will move on to the main draw and join Mongolia and Chinese Taipei in Pool A.

     

    Among the two opponents, Thailand is expected to be Gilas’ biggest challenge.

     

    The Thais will parade the same roster that captured the gold medal in the 3×3 event of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, made up of Panthawat Techasamran, Freddie Lish, Noppachai Thongpool, and Chanatip Jakrawan.

     

    That same Thailand team also recently turned heads in international play after scoring a 21-15 upset win over Lithuania in the FIBA 3×3 Champions Cup. Lithuania is one of Europe’s top 3×3 teams, making that result a strong indication of how dangerous the Thais can be.

     

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    For Gilas, the tournament will serve as the first real test for a newly assembled team that has been training together for nearly two months.

     

    The squad was put together by coaches Kirk Collier, Patrick Fran, and JJ Espanola, with the goal of building a competitive group capable of making noise in the regional 3×3 scene.

     

    The lineup offers a mix of experience and versatility, with Ahanmisi, Cu, and Koon bringing professional-level exposure, while Alter adds youth and energy coming from the collegiate ranks.

     

    The Philippines will need to quickly find its rhythm in a format where games are shorter, faster, and often decided by small details. In 3×3 basketball, there is little room for slow starts, missed rotations, or wasted possessions.

     

    That makes the opening game against Maldives important not just for the standings, but also for momentum heading into the likely decisive matchup against Thailand.

     

    The FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup runs from April 1 to 5, with the qualifiers determining the last teams that will complete the tournament proper.

     

    For Gilas, the mission is clear: survive the qualifying round, beat a familiar regional rival, and earn a shot at competing against Asia’s top 3×3 teams.

     

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