The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas credited the collective support of Philippine basketball stakeholders after Gilas Pilipinas Under-21 Boys 3×3 secured a spot in the 2026 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup following a dominant campaign in the FIBA 3×3 Nations League Asia 2 in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
Competing against fellow Under-21 teams from Japan, New Zealand, Belarus, Singapore, and host Malaysia, the Filipinos reached the finals in five of the six stops. They won three championships to finish atop the overall standings with 520 points, 50 clear of second-place Japan.
The qualification marks the country’s return to the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup for the first time since 2018 and serves as another milestone for the SBP’s growing 3×3 program.
SBP Executive Director Erika Dy said the achievement reflects the federation’s continued investment in 3×3 basketball and the strong collaboration among its stakeholders.
“Earlier this year, our Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Women ended an eight-year drought to make it back to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup. Now the boys’ team will also end their own eight-year drought to make it back to the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup,” said Dy.
“This achievement is further proof that Filipinos are world-class not just in basketball but also in 3×3. With the support of our sponsors and the commitment of stakeholders, the SBP will continue to put our athletes in positions to succeed.”
Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Program Director Ryan Gregorio likewise expressed his appreciation to the schools, coaches, and team officials who made the campaign possible by allowing their players to represent the country.
“On behalf of the SBP 3×3 program, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the schools, coaches, and team officials who supported Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 by allowing their players to represent the country,” added Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Program Director Ryan Gregorio.
Gregorio gave special recognition to FEU Athletic Director Mark Molina and head coach Sean Chambers for moving the Tamaraws’ training camp in the United States to allow Cabs Cabonilas and Jedric Daa to compete, as well as San Miguel Corporation Sports Director Alfrancis Chua and UST head coach Pido Jarencio for releasing Koji Buenaflor.
He also thanked Adamson head coach Nash Racela for immediately allowing Earl Medina to join the national team, and San Beda team manager Jude Roque and head coach Yuri Escueta for permitting Jhun Dela Rama to represent Gilas while serving his residency.
“We are especially thankful to FEU Athletic Director Mark Molina and Coach Sean Chambers, who deliberately rescheduled their team’s USA training so that Cabs Cabonilas and Jedric Daa could compete in this tournament. Our sincere appreciation also goes to Boss Alfrancis Chua and Coach Pido Jarencio for generously loaning UST big man Koji Buenaflor, to Adamson head coach Nash Racela for immediately allowing Earl Medina to join the national team, and to team manager Jude Roque and Coach Yuri Escueta for permitting Jhun Dela Rama to represent Gilas even while he is in residency. Their trust, cooperation, and shared commitment to Philippine basketball embody the spirit of ‘one team, one country.’ We truly appreciate their invaluable support.”
Program partner Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation and NLEX also lauded the team’s achievement, reiterating their commitment to supporting the country’s 3×3 program from the grassroots to the elite level.
“We at MPTC and NLEX send our congratulations to the Gilas 3×3 Boys after their successful campaign in Malaysia,” said NLEX Governor Ronald Dulatre.
“We’re happy to support the SBP’s 3×3 Program from the youth teams all the way to the elite because the goal remains to be an Olympic slot for the Philippines, and investing in our young talent will pay more dividends in the future.”
Gilas opened its campaign by reaching the Stop 1 final before falling to Belarus. After missing the podium in Stop 2, the Filipinos bounced back by defeating Japan to capture Stop 3, then followed it up with consecutive titles in Stops 4 and 5 with game-winning two-pointers against New Zealand and Japan.
With the berth secured, Gilas Pilipinas will now turn its attention to the 2026 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup, which will be held from September 15 to 19 in Wuhan, China.
