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Tag: Jerrick Ahanmisi

  • Jerrick Ahanmisi eager to learn from Marcio Lassiter after joining San Miguel 

    Jerrick Ahanmisi eager to learn from Marcio Lassiter after joining San Miguel 

    For most shooters in the PBA, studying Marcio Lassiter means watching game film or admiring his highlights from afar.

     

    Jerrick Ahanmisi now gets something even better.

     

    After years of looking up to the league’s all-time leader in three-pointers, the newest San Miguel Beermen guard now shares the same locker room with the player he considers a role model, turning admiration into a daily learning opportunity.

     

    Ahanmisi wasted little time making an impact, scoring 16 points with four rebounds and four assists in San Miguel’s convincing 123-109 victory over guest team Macau in its PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup opener on Tuesday.

     

    Despite the encouraging debut, the former Terrafirma guard believes his biggest gain may come away from the stat sheet.

     

    “I’m super honored. Super blessed,” Ahanmisi said of playing alongside Lassiter.

    “Because he’s the best three-point shooter in the league right now, right? It’s just something for me to keep learning on.”

     

    Their connection as elite marksmen dates back to the PBA All-Star festivities in Candon earlier this year.

     

    The two battled for the Three-Point Shootout crown, with Lassiter appearing headed for another title after posting 25 points before Ahanmisi caught fire in the final round, draining 30 to steal the championship and complete a double victory after winning the Obstacle Challenge.

     

    Even after defeating his idol, Ahanmisi never hid the respect he has for the veteran sniper.

     

    “I look up to Marcio all the time,” the 28-year-old said after that contest.

     

    “Even before I came into the PBA, I looked up to him as a shooter, as a role model.”

     

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    That admiration has now evolved into a mentorship following his offseason move to San Miguel.

    The Beermen acquired Ahanmisi and Paolo Hernandez from Terrafirma in exchange for Juami Tiongson and Chris Miller, giving the former Adamson standout a chance to learn directly from one of the league’s greatest shooters.

     

    “I’m just gonna keep asking how he stayed that long, how he got to that record, how he’s number one, and hopefully I can follow in his footsteps,” he said.

     

    Still adjusting to his new surroundings, Ahanmisi admitted there’s plenty of room for improvement despite helping San Miguel open the conference with a victory.

     

    “I think I did pretty well. But there are always things that I can improve on,” he said.

     

    “So hopefully the next game will be a little bit better. I can be a little bit more efficient, too, in getting my own shots and learning from my teammates.”

     

    Fortunately for Ahanmisi, Lassiter isn’t the only veteran guiding him.

     

    Surrounded by championship winners like Chris Ross and June Mar Fajardo, the sharpshooter believes he has landed in the perfect environment to continue developing his game.

     

    “They’re all really cool,” Ahanmisi said.

     

    “I’m glad that I got them as my vets ’cause if I’m having trouble with anything or if I’m making mistakes, I can go up to them and ask them what’ going on or where I can be better at, and they’re really open to helping me out.”

     

    With one impressive debut behind him and experienced mentors around him, Ahanmisi hopes the lessons he learns in San Miguel will be be just as valuable as the points he scores.

     

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  • Jerrick Ahanmisi sees San Miguel move as best chance yet to chase first PBA championship 

    Jerrick Ahanmisi sees San Miguel move as best chance yet to chase first PBA championship 

    Jerrick Ahanmisi has built his reputation as one of the PBA’s most dangerous scorers. Now, the challenge is no longer about proving he can put up points—it is about learning how to win championships.


    The newly acquired San Miguel Beer guard believes his transfer to the league’s most decorated franchise gives him the opportunity he has long been waiting for, competing alongside players who have consistently turned talent into titles.

     

    Ahanmisi admitted the trade initially came as a surprise after he learned about it only shortly before it became official.

     

    “My initial reaction was shock because I only found out two days before I got traded,” Ahanmisi said.

     

    That surprise, however, quickly turned into excitement.

     

    “But knowing I was coming here, it was something that I’ve been wishing for and dreaming about for a long time. Now that I’m here, I’m going to take full advantage of it,” he added.

     

    San Miguel acquired Ahanmisi and Paolo Hernandez from Terrafirma in exchange for Juami Tiongson, rookie Chris Miller, and a second-round pick in the PBA Season 52 Rookie Draft.

     

    The move comes on the heels of Ahanmisi’s breakout Commissioner’s Cup campaign, where he emerged as one of the league’s elite offensive weapons. 

     

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    He averaged 21.3 points per game, showcasing his ability to score from deep, including the PBA’s three-point and four-point lines.

     

    At San Miguel, Ahanmisi enters a vastly different environment because instead of being relied upon as the primary scorer every night, he joins a championship-tested roster led by June Mar Fajardo and supported by veteran standouts Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, Cjay Perez, Jericho Cruz, and Don Trollano.

     

    For Ahanmisi, sharing the court with accomplished champions is as valuable as any role he will play on the floor.

     

    “I’m hoping that now that I’m here, I can learn from them and ask them how I can get myself a championship as well,” he said. 

     

    With a proven roster and another title run in sight, San Miguel hopes Ahanmisi’s scoring punch will add another dimension to its offense, while the guard looks to absorb the winning culture that has defined the Beermen for years.

     

    Ahanmisi is expected to make his official debut for San Miguel when the Beermen open their PBA Governors’ Cup campaign against the Macau Giant Pandas on July 14 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

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  • Jerrick Ahanmisi eager to prove he belongs in the PBA as he embraces new challenge with San Miguel

    Jerrick Ahanmisi eager to prove he belongs in the PBA as he embraces new challenge with San Miguel

    The San Miguel Beermen wasted little time strengthening an already formidable roster, making one of the most significant moves of the offseason by acquiring guard Jerrick Ahanmisi and Paolo Hernandez from the Terrafirma Dyip in exchange for veteran playmaker Juami Tiongson, rookie Chris Miller, and a second-round pick in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 52 Rookie Draft.

     

    For San Miguel, the deal represents more than just adding depth. It is a calculated move aimed at bolstering the team’s perimeter offense with one of the league’s hottest shooters while reinforcing a roster that is once again expected to compete for another championship.

     

    Ahanmisi arrives in San Miguel fresh off the finest stretch of his professional career. During the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, the explosive shooting guard established himself as one of the league’s premier offensive weapons, averaging 21.3 points per game. Much of his production came from beyond the arc, where he consistently punished defenses with his three-point shooting and quickly adapted to the league’s four-point line, making him one of the conference’s most dangerous long-range threats.

     

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    Now wearing the Beermen jersey, Ahanmisi embraces both the expectations and the opportunity that come with joining one of the PBA’s most successful franchises.

     

    “I want to go out there and still prove to myself and prove to everybody that, not only I belong in the PBA, but I belong to be on this team as well. Hopefully, this conference is going to be different. And hopefully we will be able to contend for a championship,” Ahanmisi said in a media interaction.

     

    Although he has already established himself as one of the league’s most reliable scorers, the 28-year-old remains motivated by the desire to continue proving himself. Joining a championship-caliber team presents a different challenge from carrying a rebuilding squad, and Ahanmisi is eager to show that his game can translate into winning basketball at the highest level.

    His journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. Born in the United States to a Filipina mother and a Nigerian father, Ahanmisi first made a name for himself in Philippine basketball as a standout for the Adamson Soaring Falcons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). His combination of athleticism, perimeter shooting, and scoring instincts eventually paved the way for his professional career after he signed with the Magnolia Hotshots in 2021.

     

    Ahanmisi spent four seasons with Magnolia, developing into a dependable contributor before an offseason trade sent him to Terrafirma. While his stint with the Dyip lasted only two conferences, it proved to be a pivotal chapter in his career.

     

    Given greater offensive freedom and a larger role, Ahanmisi blossomed into one of the PBA’s most productive scorers. The increased responsibilities allowed him to expand his game, build confidence, and showcase the offensive skill set that had long been evident throughout his collegiate and professional career.

     

    Looking back on his brief stay with Terrafirma, Ahanmisi expressed nothing but appreciation for the opportunity the organization provided.

     

    “It’s going to help me because I was able to experience a lot on the basketball court. The coaches and the management gave me the opportunity to play the way I wanted to play. And I was thankful enough that they were able to help me throughout my journey there with Terrafirma. And I just want to make sure that this conference is more of the same,” he added.

     

    Now, Ahanmisi enters a completely different environment. Instead of serving as the primary offensive option, he joins a veteran-laden San Miguel squad loaded with championship experience and proven stars. His perimeter shooting should complement reigning league MVP June Mar Fajardo’s dominant inside presence while creating more space for explosive guards CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz to attack. Veteran sniper Marcio Lassiter and longtime floor general Chris Ross further strengthen a rotation that is among the deepest in the league, with Don Trollano and Hernandez also providing additional versatility.

     

    For the Beermen, Ahanmisi’s arrival adds another dimension to an offense that already ranks among the league’s most potent. His ability to stretch defenses from long distance and score in bunches gives San Miguel another reliable weapon in its pursuit of another PBA title.

     

    As preparations begin for the new conference, expectations are understandably high. For San Miguel, the acquisition reinforces its championship aspirations. For Ahanmisi, it represents an opportunity to contribute on the league’s biggest stage, prove he can thrive alongside elite talent, and help add another championship to the Beermen’s storied legacy.

     

     

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  • Juami Tiongson returns to Terrafirma as San Miguel reloads with Jerrick Ahanmisi in blockbuster trade 

    Juami Tiongson returns to Terrafirma as San Miguel reloads with Jerrick Ahanmisi in blockbuster trade 

    For Juami Tiongson, the move feels familiar.

     

    Eighteen months after San Miguel acquired him from Terrafirma as part of its pursuit of another championship, the veteran guard is heading back to the franchise where he rebuilt his career and became one of the PBA’s most productive local scorers.

     

    The PBA announced Wednesday that San Miguel has traded Tiongson and rookie Chris Miller to Terrafirma in exchange for Jerrick Ahanmisi and sophomore Paolo Hernandez, a deal that says as much about each team’s present priorities as it does about the players involved.

     

    On the surface, it is a straightforward swap of talent. Dig deeper, however, and it becomes a story of two franchises moving in opposite directions.

     

    For San Miguel, the transaction is another attempt to maximize a championship window that never seems to close.

     

    The Beermen are adding one of the conference’s most explosive local scorers in Ahanmisi, a player who emerged as Terrafirma’s primary offensive weapon during the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    He averaged more than 21 points per game while helping the Dyip produce the best start in franchise history and remain in playoff contention deep into the conference. Ahanmisi also delivered several signature performances, including a 24-point outing against San Miguel in a crucial late-season matchup.

     

    The former Jerrick Ahanmisi arrives with an established reputation as one of the league’s premier perimeter threats. A former UAAP Mythical Team member from Adamson University, he has steadily developed into one of the PBA’s most dangerous shot creators since entering the league in 2021.

     

    Meanwhile, Hernandez gives San Miguel another young piece to develop behind its veteran core.

     

    The trade also underscores how difficult Tiongson’s transition to San Miguel ultimately became.

     

    When the Beermen acquired the former Terrafirma franchise player in late 2024, many expected him to provide additional scoring and playmaking alongside stars such as June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez. Instead, Tiongson found himself adjusting to a far different role than the one he had grown accustomed to as Terrafirma’s offensive centerpiece.

     

    After averaging 17.2 points per game before his move to San Miguel, Tiongson’s production dropped significantly as he settled into a supporting role behind an already loaded backcourt. 

     

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    During the Commissioner’s Cup, he averaged just 4.7 points and 1.9 assists while often splitting minutes with veteran floor generals.

     

    Earlier this year, Tiongson openly acknowledged the adjustment that came with joining a championship contender.

     

    He admitted missing the larger offensive role he once had but recognized that becoming part of San Miguel’s deep roster required a different approach to the game.

     

    Now, he returns to the team where he spent five seasons and enjoyed the most productive stretch of his professional career.

     

    For Terrafirma, the move is about reclaiming a proven leader while adding a player whose skill set fits a team still searching for stability. Tiongson was more than just a scorer during his previous stint with the Dyip. He evolved into an All-Star, earned recognition as one of the league’s most improved players, and became one of the few consistent bright spots during challenging seasons for the franchise.

     

    The addition of Miller also provides Terrafirma another young guard who could receive more opportunities than he was likely to find within San Miguel’s crowded rotation.

     

    Ultimately, the trade reflects a familiar PBA reality.

     

    San Miguel continues to chase championships by adding established talent ready to contribute immediately. Terrafirma, meanwhile, welcomes back a player who once carried the franchise and now gets another chance to do so.

     

    For Ahanmisi, the move represents an opportunity to compete for titles alongside one of the league’s most decorated rosters.

     

    For Tiongson, it represents something different.

     

    A return to the team where he became a star, and perhaps the place where he can once again become one.

     

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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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  • 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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  • Jerrick Ahanmisi proves locals still matter in import-driven PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Jerrick Ahanmisi proves locals still matter in import-driven PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    In a PBA conference packed with towering imports and big-name reinforcements, Jerrick Ahanmisi refuses to be overshadowed.

     

    The Terrafirma guard has emerged as a beacon of local talent, averaging 23.7 points per game to top all Filipino scorers and sit 11th overall in the Commissioner’s Cup—a remarkable feat in a field dominated by imported giants. With his trademark long-range shooting connecting at 36 percent and reliable free-throw shooting at 71 percent, Ahanmisi has anchored Terrafirma’s 3-1 start in the mid-season tournament.

     

    Even as Bol Bol and Justin Brownlee lead the overall scoring charts with jaw-dropping outputs, Ahanmisi’s consistency underscores a bigger story: that homegrown stars can still command the spotlight in the shadow of imports. 

     

    His scoring, leadership, and versatility provide Terrafirma with a steady backbone in games where the big men often dominate headlines.

     

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    Ahanmisi’s excellence extends beyond the PBA. Currently in Singapore representing Gilas Pilipinas at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, he continues to showcase Filipino skill on the international stage while maintaining his form back home.

     

    Trailing him among locals are Barangay Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos (23.6 ppg), last season’s scoring champion Robert Bolick (22.7), Ricci Rivero (22.5), and San Miguel’s CJ Perez (22.2), a reminder that the league’s Filipino core remains highly competitive despite import-heavy matchups.

     

    For Terrafirma, Ahanmisi is more than just a scorer. He’s proof that when talent, timing, and determination converge, a local player can not only survive but thrive, even when the league is filled with the tallest, most dominant imports.

     

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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 Pilipinas names Men’s, Women’s rosters for FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup

    Gilas Pilipinas names Men’s, Women’s rosters for FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup

    Even with the PBA taking a brief pause for Holy Week, a different kind of national duty is about to take center stage.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas has officially named its men’s and women’s rosters for the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, with both squads set to carry the country’s hopes in Singapore as they try to improve on last year’s finish and make a stronger push on the continental stage.

     

    On the men’s side, the Philippines is banking on a group that blends pro-level shotmaking, backcourt creativity, and proven 3×3 familiarity. The quartet is made up of Ralph Cu of Barangay Ginebra, Chris Koon of Magnolia, Jerrick Ahanmisi of Terrafirma, and University of the Philippines big man Sean Alter.

     

    It is a roster that feels deliberately built for the unique demands of 3×3 basketball — fast decisions, open-floor versatility, and the ability to score in bursts. More importantly, all four players already have backgrounds in the format, giving the team a layer of chemistry and instinct that could matter in a compressed international tournament.

     

    Cu brings championship pedigree and familiarity with pressure situations, while Koon adds length and two-way activity from the perimeter. Ahanmisi, meanwhile, arrives as arguably the most explosive offensive weapon in the group, capable of changing games quickly with his shooting and shot creation.

     

    Alter gives the team a different look altogether. At 6-foot-9, the UP standout provides size, rebounding, and interior presence — an especially valuable piece in 3×3, where physicality and quick finishes around the basket often swing close contests.

     

    The men’s squad will be handled by coaches Kirk Collier and Patrick Fran, with the Philippines opening in Qualifying Draw A alongside Maldives and Thailand on April 2. If Gilas advances, it will move into Pool A with Mongolia and Chinese Taipei, both of which are already seeded directly into the main draw.

     

    That means the challenge for the men will begin immediately. There will be little room for slow starts, especially in a format where momentum can swing in a matter of possessions and one cold stretch can end a campaign early.

     

    Still, the roster signals a clear intent from the program: this is not just a participation group. It is a team designed to compete, score, and potentially surprise.

     

    The women’s side, however, may be carrying even more intrigue.

     

    Seeded fifth entering the tournament, Gilas Women will field a lineup of Afril Bernardino, Mikka Cacho, Kacey Dela Rosa, and Cheska Apag — a group that brings together experience, youth, and a growing track record in international 3×3 play. The Philippines is already slotted into Pool D, where it will await the winner of Qualifying Draw D featuring Tonga, Macau, and Maldives, with Australia also seeded in the same group.

     

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    What makes this women’s roster especially compelling is how well its pieces complement one another.

     

    Bernardino remains one of the pillars of Philippine women’s 3×3 basketball, bringing toughness, leadership, and a long history of delivering in FIBA competitions. Cacho adds speed, shotmaking, and familiarity with the international pace of play, while Dela Rosa gives the team length and inside presence that can be difficult for smaller lineups to handle.

     

    Then there is Apag, one of the younger names in the squad but already part of a rising wave in the women’s 3×3 program. Her inclusion reflects the steady pipeline the Philippines has been trying to build — not just for this event, but for the future of the format.

     

    That youth movement has already shown signs of promise. Dela Rosa and Apag were both part of the Philippines’ successful FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League Asia-Pacific 1 campaign in Doha, where the women’s program booked a place in the 2025 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup. The team’s rise also helped push Gilas Women to a historic No. 14 in the world rankings, the highest ever for a Philippine 3×3 national team.

     

    That momentum makes this latest tournament feel bigger than just another Asia Cup appearance.

     

    Last year, Gilas Men finished 15th, while Gilas Women came agonizingly close to the podium before ending up fourth. Those results offered two different realities: one side still searching for a deeper breakthrough, and the other already proving it can contend with some of the best in the region.

     

    Now, both teams return with something to chase.

     

    For the men, it is about proving they can translate talent and pedigree into results in one of basketball’s most unforgiving formats. For the women, it is about taking another step in a program that has steadily become one of the country’s most promising international projects.

     

    And for Gilas as a whole, the message is clear. Even during a league break, national basketball never really stops.

     

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  • Jerrick Ahanmisi shines for Terrafirma despite defeat, secures spot on Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 roster

    Jerrick Ahanmisi shines for Terrafirma despite defeat, secures spot on Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 roster

    For Jerrick Ahanmisi, individual brilliance can shine even in defeat. The 28-year-old guard poured in a career-high 37 points, with two rebounds and four assists, for Terrafirma Dyip in their 105-133 loss to Phoenix. 


    Despite the setback, Ahanmisi continues to prove his value on the court, even as Terrafirma drops to a 3-1 record.

     

    “I’m just trying to take things one game at a time. I’m trying to be consistent with my work, be disciplined with my family and try to focus on the two most important things which is my family and basketball,” he said.

     

    The Terrafirma star has more reason to celebrate as he has earned his first call-up to the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 for the FIBA Asia Cup 2026 in Singapore, joining a squad tasked with securing the country’s first medal in the continental tournament.

     

    “I just thought it’s a special opportunity because not very many people get the chance to play for Gilas. So as soon as they ask me to come, I was ready to go and I was ready for the opportunity,” said the 10th overall pick of Season 46.

     

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    He’s brimming with pride, especially sharing the moment with his brother Maverick, as both can now proudly wear the Gilas banner as the older Ahanmisi have previously represented the country at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

     

     “I feel like for both of us, we’ve always wanted to etch our names in history. It’s just gonna be another achievement on both of our lists, and hopefully it just keeps going up and up and up,” the Fil-Nigerian player said.

     

    Ahanmisi’s rise comes on the heels of a historic moment at the PBA’s 33rd All-Star Weekend in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, where he became the first player to win two Skills Challenge championships in a single night.

     

    The 28-year-old will share the Gilas 3×3 spotlight with Ginebra sharpshooter Ralph Cu, Magnolia rookie Chris Koon, and Sean Alter from the University of the Philippines.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 will face Maldives and Thailand in the qualifying draw on April 2. If they advance, the Philippines could face 3×3 powerhouses Mongolia and Chinese Taipei, giving Ahanmisi a stage to translate individual brilliance into international success.

     

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