National University-commit Joshua Sinclair is banking on his 3×3 experience as he looks to be the leader of the Philippine 3×3 team in the 2016 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan.
“The guys haven’t played 3-on-3 like I have, so I am responsible to share some knowledge with them. I just told them we are going to have to play really hard because 3 on 3 is a completely different game; it is a very physically demanding game compared to the 5 on 5,” said Sinclair in an interview with FIBA 3×3.
“So I told them it is all about heart, puso. We have to give our best.”
Sinclair, who had been part of the Manila South squad that competed in the 2015 FIBA 3×3 World Tour Manila Masters, said the squad’s bonding has helped in terms of chemistry and familiarity with each other.
“It’s been a good experience, travelling with the team, leaving, seeing new things together, it builds friendship that you wouldn’t get from staying in the Philippines. We’re grateful we got to come here; travelling really helps our chemistry,” Sinclair said.
Sinclair also feels honored to represent the country in the 3×3 stage after the many amateur standouts had donned the national colors.
“To be in the same conversation as Ricci Rivero, Prince Rivero, Kobe Paras, Thirdy Ravena, and all the big names in 3-on-3 that’s come from the Philippines, it’s a great honor because they are all heroes in our country,” Sinclair said.
“It’s like saying that you’re at that level maybe even if you’re not. I just hope I can live up to those type of players, their type of standards, I hope to do the Philippines proud.”
Sinclair will be joined by John Lloyd Clemente, Theo Joshua Flores, and Kyle Christian Tan. The Philippines is in Pool D of the competition and shall face New Zealand, Brazil, Spain, and Hungary.
Although it is a difficult task to advance to the quarter-finals, Sinclair is confident the Philippines can give their opponents a tough challenge.
“We want to win. It’s a really, really tough pool, but I believe we have a chance against these teams, we can give them a run for their money, and I believe we can win, so that’s our goal,” Sinclair added.
