Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser was left in disbelief after seeing Limitless’ reign as the PBA 3×3 grand champions end in such a painful manner.
Favored to keep their throne following a solid Second Conference campaign that saw them rule two legs, the Appmasters bombed out of the Grand Finals’ quarters after absorbing a shocking 16-14 overtime loss to Pioneer.
The Pro Tibay went on to become the new kings of the PBA’s halfcourt wars in arguably the best title run ever pulled off in the young league.
Photo by PBA Images
“My God, did that really just happen?” the athletic forward expressed moments after their playoff exit at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
“I mean, that’s my last PBA 3×3 game, so for it to end like that, it’s heartbreaking.”
Ganuelas-Rosser couldn’t fathom how and why they lost the crown that way, since the team, he felt, was able to prepare better when the Grand Finals got stopped last Wednesday due to a fire incident at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“As you said, it’s disappointing. ‘Cause after the delay at Araneta, we had another week to get prepared,” said the 27-year-old bruiser.
“And we really had a good week of practice. It’s kinda perplexing that we came out here, and, just didn’t play our best,” he added.
As painful as it was, Ganuelas-Rosser still gave props to Pioneer. And he remained proud of what he and good pals Jorey Napoles, Marvin Hayes, and Reymar Caduyac have accomplished in the conference.
Photo by PBA Images
“If you look at the conference as a whole, we finished the no. 1 seed, we were the most consistent team. I think beside Leg 6, we made it to at least the semis every leg. We’ve been having good practices, today was just not our day.”
Ganuelas-Rosser offered as well that such a stinging loss will surely be of help for Limitless, with the Phoenix-owned team set to carry the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 banner in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi weeks from now.
“We don’t want to lose, but an eye-opener is okay,” he said.
“The Philippines are the defending champions, and that’s the torch we have to carry there.”
Ganuelas-Rosser has faith that the Appmasters have what it takes to go at par with other 3×3 teams in the region, especially after learning about some of those they’re bound to face thanks to the ABL 3×3 Cup in Bali just recently.
“You know, the ABL had a 3×3 Cup weeks ago, and some of the players that are gonna be representing their countries were in that tournament,” shared the former San Miguel Alab Pilipinas stalwart.
“Platinum represented the Philippines in that tournament, and we were able to watch them. And, yeah, there’s a lot of size, a lot of experience over there. But, you know, I think we stack up pretty good versus any team in the region.”
After the SEA Games, Ganuelas-Rosser will then turn his focus on the Season 47 Draft, which he joined after being disqualified last year as he wasn’t able to acquire the necessary documents for his application on time.
“It’s something that I’ve been looking forward to for a long time now. I’m just excited wherever I play, wherever I go. I’m just looking to go there and get better, prove myself and win as much as I can,” he said.
But for now, the biennial meet is where his sights are set on, excited to finally represent the country — and, of course, bring home the gold.
“We’re defending the crown. We’re excited for the opportunity, I’m excited as well to represent the country for the first time.”
