ANTIPOLO — Jerrick Ahanmisi chooses to stay grounded even as he’s enjoying arguably the best stretch of his career after realizing another lifelong dream.
The Terrafirma star is set to represent the Philippines for the first time as he’s named to the Gilas team bound for the FIBA Asia Cup 3×3 2026 in Singapore, part of a squad tasked to give the country its first medal in the continental tilt.
“I’m just trying to take every day one day at a time,” he said on Wednesday shortly after the Dyip’s loss to Phoenix in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center here, when asked about the hits that are coming his way.
His national team call-up came just weeks after making history in the league’s 33rd All-Star Weekend in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, in which he became the first player to win a pair of Skills Challenge championships in just one night.
The Adamson product won the Obstacle Challenge among guards, then ruled the Three-Point Shootout shortly after–and in dramatic fashion, too, as he came from behind to beat none other than future Hall of Famer Marcio Lassiter.
(C) PBA Images
Ahanmisi then carried over his confidence into the new conference, leading Terrafirma to a dream start where they won their first three games.
He’s been turning heads since the midseason extravaganza, but little did he know that even the coaches have taken notice, particularly Kirk Collier, who reached out to him for an opportunity to play for Gilas 3×3.
Fast forward to now, and he’s bound to wave the Philippine flag together with fellow PBA players Ralph Cu of Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia guard Chris Koon, as well as University of the Philippines big man Sean Alter.
Ahanmisi couldn’t be any happier when the chance knocked on his door, which he immediately accepted, as he’s long been hoping to play for the country.
“I just thought it was a really special opportunity because not very many people get the chance to play for Gilas. As soon as they asked me to come, I was ready to go, and I was more than ready for the opportunity,” he said.
He’s filled with much pride as well, specifically for him and his ‘kuya’ Maverick, now that they can call themselves Gilas guys–the 34-year-old was part of the men’s team that competed in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.
“It’s definitely a proud moment for me, for him, for our family as well, and our family name,” said Jerrick.
“Because 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.”
As stoked as he is, the 10th overall pick of the Season 46 Draft wouldn’t want to let all these things get in his head, opting to be as focused as he can be.
“I’m trying to just be consistent with my work, be disciplined with my family, and make sure that I don’t lose focus on the two most important things in my life, which is my family and basketball,” he offered.
#WATCH: NOT VERY MANY PEOPLE GET A CHANCE TO PLAY FOR GILAS 🏀
The hits keep coming for Jerrick Ahanmisi as he will represent Gilas Men in the #3x3Asia Cup#ReadMore here 👉 https://t.co/P5ycTj7xp0
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times#PBA50 #LabanPilipinas pic.twitter.com/LlgZvRZaj2
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 25, 2026
