The Philippines hosting of the 2018 FIBA 3X3 World Cup was a celebration. But it was also an eye-opener to the Filipino people.
First off, though the Philippines arguably fielded its best-ever team during the tournament, it still ended up with a 2-2 record in Pool D — failing to make the next round.
The tournament showed that 3×3 basketball is a completely different animal compared to its indoor counterpart. That is why Chooks-to-Go, one of the backers of Gilas Pilipinas, is looking to either build a pool of 3×3 specialists or organize a national league for the sport.
“There’s no concrete plan right now but what’s important is SBP president Al Panlilio and ED Sonny Barios are dead serious in forming a full time 3×3 team and organizing a sustainable 3×3 tournament nationwide,” said Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. president Ronald Mascariñas during the Chooks-to-Go-hosted Thanksgiving celebration for Team Pilipinas.
“What we learned from FIBA during the tournament is that yung outright qualification can be done if we organize these tournaments and register it sa FIBA 3×3,” he furthered. “If we can do that, we have a chance to gain outright qualification.”
In addition to this, the tournament also saw the first time Perlas Pilipinas, the Philippine Women’s Basketball National Team, compete on home soil.
Though Perlas 3×3 failed to bag a victory, they were able to showcase that they can be a force to be reckoned with with the right support.
Mascariñas is looking to have a sit down with Perlas team manager Dioceldo Sy to talk about how Chooks-to-Go can support Women’s Basketball.
“I think very obvious na yung women’s basketball is largely neglected in the country. Lumutang lang yun during the 3×3 tournament na meron pala tayong competitive team,” he shared.
“I think we can do better if there is support for women’s basketball. And yes we’re willing to support the development of women’s basketball.”
