James Payosing and Aldous Torculas will finally get the chance to play together — just not in the way many expected.
Instead of teaming up at University of the Philippines or San Beda University, the two have been called up to represent Gilas Pilipinas in the Asia-Pacific 1 stop of the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League 2025.
Just a few months ago, a collegiate “swap” of sorts took place, with Payosing transferring to UP while Torculas made the move to San Beda.
Now, fate has brought them back on the same side — this time for national duty.
(C) Yvan Martinez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
The two will join a stacked Gilas Men’s team aiming to secure a spot in the FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup.
Leading the squad is University of Santo Tomas ace Nic Cabanero, with Zedjay Etulle of San Beda, and Anton Eusebio and Irele Galas from College of Saint Benilde rounding out the roster.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On the women’s side, three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Kacey Dela Rosa headlines the Gilas Women’s team.
She will be joined by National University standouts Tin Cayabyab and Cielo Pagdulagan, along with Adamson University’s Jam Meniano, Elaine Etang, and Cheska Apag.
Both squads depart for Doha, Qatar, today, where the tournament will take place from May 28 to June 3.
The Philippines is grouped with New Zealand, Qatar, Singapore, Indonesia, and Chinese Taipei in the competition.
Last year, the women’s team finished third in their stop, while the men’s team settled for fourth.
This time around, both squads are looking to go even further.
